Japan Press Weekly

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2023 April 19 - 25 [POLITICS]

Shii speaks at Japan-China Parliamentarians' Friendship League general meeting

Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo on April 19 delivered a speech as vice chair of the Japan-China Parliamentarians’ Friendship League at the league’s general meeting held in the Diet building.

Shii said that when thinking about how to improve Japan-China relations, the important thing to keep in mind is that the two governments have long been making efforts to build common ground for a lasting peace and friendship.

In this regard, Shii referred to an agreement made in the 2008 Japan-China Summit that the two sides will not become a “threat to each other.” He noted that in 2014, the two governments agreed to solve the issue of the territorial dispute over the Senkaku Islands through “dialogue and discussions”. In addition, he cited that regarding efforts to establish a framework for peace in East Asia, both Tokyo and Beijing support the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). Shii said that the need now is for the two governments to place importance on this common ground and work to make an improvement in bilateral relations.

Shii said, “As a cross-party Dietmembers’ group, it’s time for us to play an active role in bringing about a beneficial change in Japan-China relations. The JCP will work hard to help promote the group’s efforts.”

Former Liberal Democratic Party Secretary General Nikai Toshihiro was elected as the league’s new chair.

Past related issue:
> Shii calls on Kishida to make efforts to improve bilateral relations with China in a positive manner [March 31, 2023]