JCP CC chair and China's National People's Congress chair discuss cooperation and exchanges

Fuwa Tetsuzo, Japanese Communist Party Central Committee Chair, held talks with Wu Bangguo, chairman of the National People's Congress of China and a Politburo member of the Communist Party of China, on September 5 at the state guest house in Tokyo.

Welcoming Wu to Japan, Fuwa expressed satisfaction with the substantive progress achieved since JCP-CPC relations were normalized in 1998. He specifically cited discussions the two parties have had on issues related to Iraq and North Korea.

Fuwa stated, "It is stimulative to study each other's activities in this tumultuous world. We would like to increase efforts to make our bilateral relations more fruitful."

Wu in response said that the JCP and the CPC maintain "relations in which they can hold in-depth discussions on issues of mutual interest." "It is important to develop this kind of exchange in a multi-polar world," he added.

Noting that economic and trade relations as well as mutual visits are increasing, Wu stated, "Our bilateral relations will further increase if our two countries are careful about issues of each other's interest."

Referring to his earlier discussion with Koizumi on historical issues and the poison gas left by the Japanese army during WWII in the Chinese city of Qiqihar, he said, "We highly evaluate the JCP's position on historical issues."

Five years ago, when Fuwa held talks with Jiang Zemin, president of China at the time and Hu Jintao, vice president of China, he proposed five principles governing Japan-China relations. Recalling that he stressed that Japan must show remorse for its war of aggression and stand firmly for the "One China" principle, Fuwa said, "Japan must address historical issues as a task essential for Japan to be a true member of Asia in the 21st century."

The National Congress chair explained the CPC 26th National Congress held last year, including the major changes in the leadership and the effort to achieve a balanced material and spiritual development of Chinese society.

The JCP CC chair explained the planned revision of the JCP Program at the 23rd Party Congress later this year.

Executive Committee Chair Shii Kazuo and Secretariat Head Ichida Tadayoshi also attended the talks.

The Chinese National People's Congress chair was visiting Japan at the invitation of the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the House of Councilors. (end)