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2008 April 16 - 22 [JCP]

Shii hold talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi

April 19, 2008
Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi on April 18 in Tokyo.

Welcoming Yang’s visit to Japan, Shii said, “We look forward to welcoming Chinese President Hu Jintao’s visit to Japan scheduled for May this year that marks the 30th anniversary of the Japan-China Peace and Amity Treaty.”

Also referring to the fact that this year marks the 10th year since the JCP and the Communist Party of China normalized their bilateral relations. Shii said as follows:

“JCP-CPC relations have grown in the past 10 years in which our two parties have made efforts to deal with the adverse currents that arose in connection with various historical questions. We are glad that these efforts have contributed to breaking the deadlock and helped to reactivate exchanges between Japanese and Chinese leaders.”

Yang responded by saying, “I appreciate your warm words. I am happy to be able to hold talks with the JCP leadership in the year marking the 30th anniversary of the conclusion of the Japan-China Peace and Amity Treaty and the 10th anniversary of the normalization of CPC-JCP relations.” He also said he has a high regard for the JCP on its position concerning the historical issues and asked the JCP for cooperation in the effort to make President Hu Jintao’s upcoming visit to Japan a productive one.

Referring to a letter he recently sent to Chinese President Hu Jintao to express his concerns about the developments in Tibet and to call for the present problem to be solved peacefully through dialogue between the Chinese government and representatives of the Dalai Lama, Shii said:

“I understand that the Chinese government criticizes the Dalai Lama side for placing a stumbling block to meaningful dialogue. We believe that it is important for both sides to discuss all questions.”

Yang Jiechi said, “I would like to take it as a suggestion from a friend of ours. It would be possible to hold such dialogue if the Dalai Lama side stops all those divisive activities, including violence and disruptions to events related to the Olympic Games.”

Shii explained the JCP position of the Tibet question and expressed hope that JCP-CPC relations develop further in many ways.”

Yang Jiechi responded to Shii by stating, “We shall further increase discussions and other exchanges between our two parties.” - Akahata, April 19, 2008
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