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Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan

2. Japan-China Relations
Enter a New Era
1972 1978 1978 1982 1983 1984
Establishing a Mutually Beneficial
Relationship Based on The Path of Japan-China Friendship
Japan and China have developed their relations
Common Strategic Interests steadily since the normalization of diplomatic ties.
Japan and China are neighboring countries, separated only
Prime Minister Abe’s Visit to China by a narrow strip of water, that have deep historical and
cultural ties and a history of exchanges for more than 2,000
Opens the Door to a New Era
years. In the 20th century, the two countries experienced an
in Japan-China Relations
unhappy period, including the last war, and a period of
At the invitation of Premier Wen Jiabao of the People’s abnormal relations, but through the efforts of many people,
Republic of China, Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited “Joint Communique of the Government of the People’s
Prime Minister Abe and Chinese counterpart Wen.
China on October 8, 2006, for the first time in his official Republic of China” was issued in 1972, which marked the
capacity. Prime Minister Abe then had candid, unreserved normalization of diplomatic relations. The Treaty of Peace
talks with President Hu Jintao, Chairman of the Standing and Friendship Between Japan and the People’s Republic of
Committee of the National People’s Congress Wu Bangguo, China was concluded in 1978. Their relations developed
and Premier Wen Jiabao, which fostered trust further steadily including a visit by Their Majesties the Emperor and
between the two nations. Under the recognition that it is Empress to China in 1992. President Jiang Zemin visited
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe meets with President Hu Jintao in Beijing. Japan in 1998, and a Japan-China Joint Declaration was
the solemn responsibility of both countries in the new era
to contribute constructively to the peace, stability, and issued calling for the establishment of “partnership of
development of Asia and the world, both sides shared the friendship and cooperation for peace and development.”
view that by setting the two wheels of politics and economy During Prime Minister Abe’s visit to China in October 2006,
in motion, they will elevate the Japan-China relations to a “Japan-China Joint Press Statement” was released,
higher dimension and build a mutually beneficial relationship announcing the building of a mutually beneficial relationship
Foreign Minister Aso welcomes
based on common strategic interests, which will enable both based on common strategic interests.
Chinese counterpart Li in Tokyo.
countries to more effectively tackle regional and global
issues. Japan’s Cooperation for China Helps
Support Development of the Chinese
Economy
Since the implementation of reform and open policies,
China’s economy has achieved amazing growth and
development. From the view point that China’s stable
development is extremely important for the peace and
An afforestation project in Sichuan
prosperity not only of Japan, but also of the entire Province.
Asia-Pacific region, Japan has consistently supported China’s
reform and open policies through measures such as official
development assistance, which has been provided since
1998 2001 Former Prime Minister Ohira’s visit to China in 1979.
Japanese volunteer nurse in
Guangxi Zhuangzu Autonomous
Region. Japanese volunteer agricultural
technology instructor in Guizhou
Province.
1992 1997 2000 2006

3. 1
Bilateral Relationship The Japan-China Relationship in Numbers
0
A Deepening Relationship1985 Mutual Benefit
1975 1980
of 1990 1995 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
Japan and China are enjoying their closest ever relationship, for instance, in terms of economic relations and person-to-
person exchanges, and are thus becoming increasingly interdependent.
Economic Exchanges
Japan-China Relation (US$ million)
200
190
Japan’s ODA to China (¥ billion, up to 2005)
Loan Aid ....................................................................................... 3,133.1
Grant Aid .......................................................................................... 147.1
in the International Community 180
170
Technical Cooperation ................................................................. 155.8
Total ............................................................................................ 3,436.0
160
150 Total Trade Volume
Japan’s Import
140 Japan’s Export
130
Japan and China in the World— 120
As Responsible Countries in the Region 110
100 Reference: Trade Volume in 1972 (US$ thousand)
Japan and China are playing a responsible role in the region Japan’s Export: 609; Japan’s Import: 491; Total: 1,100
90
with impact on setting the future course of the peace and 80
prosperity in Asia and the world. Strengthening cooperation 70
with China in a wide variety of fields is highly important for 60
Asia and the international community. Japan and China have 50
responsibilities to act for global peace and prosperity. Japan 0
and China are required to cooperate further to tackle global 1983 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 2000 01 02 03 04 05 06 (year)
Source: Trade Statistics of Japan, Ministry of Finance (Converted to U.S. dollar by Japan
and international challenges such as the North Korean issue, External Trade Organization)
regional cooperation in East Asia, and UN reform, and to Exchange of People
promote dialogue and exchanges at various levels in the Top envoys to the Six-Party talks join hands in Beijing.
Number of Visitors (2006) ....................... Approx. 4.73 million Number of Visiting Students
areas of political affairs, economy, security, society, culture
• From Japan to China ....................................... Approx. 3.75 million • From Japan to China (2005) ................................................... 18,874
and so on. They are efforts to achieve a mutually-beneficial
• From China to Japan ....................................... Approx. 0.98 million (Based on Chinese statistics; second only to South Korea)
relationship based on common strategic interests between
• From China to Japan (2006) ................................................. 89,711
both countries, which will be built on the outcome of Prime Number of Japanese Residing in China (2005) ..... 114,899
Minister Abe’s visit to China in October 2006. (including Hong Kong) Number of Sister City/State Relationships ...................... 322
(as of February 28, 2007)
Desertification prevention
becomes an important issue.
Residents get their birds vaccinated against
bird flu in Beijing.
Japan’s Path of a Peaceful Country
On October 8, 2006, Prime Minister Abe made the first official also share. This feeling will not change in the future.”
visit to China by a Japanese Prime Minister since the visit by Prime Minister Abe further explained that postwar Japan
Former Prime Minister Obuchi in 1999. During his visit, Prime has consistently walked the path of a peaceful nation, maintaining
Minister Abe held talks with President Hu Jintao, Chairman of freedom and democracy as its foundations, and that Japan will
the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress Wu continue to contribute to world peace. This stance was received
Bangguo, and Premier Wen Jiabao. The leaders held candid, with positive appreciation by the Chinese side. This exchange of
unreserved discussion about the futures of the two countries and views was also included in the Japan-China Joint Press Statement.
built a relationship of trust. Concerning historical perceptions, the Japanese and Chinese
At that time, Prime Minister Abe stated to the Chinese governments have started joint research on history by scholars
leaders, “Japan shall look at past history squarely and shall from the two countries. This was based on an agreement by the
continue to conduct itself as a peaceful nation. Japan has come heads of state in last October to increase mutual understanding
through the 60 years of the postwar period on the basis of by deepening objective perceptions of histor y through
deep remorse over the fact that Japan in the past has caused joint research on the history of more than two millennia of
tremendous damage and suffering to the people of the Asian Japan-China relations, the unfortunate historical events in the
countries, and left scars in those people. This feeling is shared by modern era, and the development of Japan-China relations in the
the people who have lived these 60 years and is a feeling that I post-war era.

4. w
The Foundation of
Japan-China Friendship
Mutual Understanding
through Exchange Japan-China
21st Century Friendship Program
The Japanese and Chinese governments are using a variety
of frameworks to support people-to-people exchanges
between Japan and China to nurture the feelings of mutual
People-to-people Exchanges trust among the Japanese and Chinese peoples, a foundation
between Japan and China for the long-term development of Japan-China relations. In
particular, the Japan-China 21st Century Friendship Program,
In 2006, travelers between Japan and China reached 4.7 mainly consisting of high school students, was launched in
million (980,000 Chinese travelers to Japan and 3.7 million 2006, to promote exchange among the youth who will lead
Japanese travelers to China). In addition, the number of future relations between the two countries. In the first year
Japanese citizens in China exceeds 100,000 (approximately of the program, approximately 1,200 Chinese high school Japan’s first lady Mrs. Akie Abe welcomes students from China.
115,000 as of October 2005) and Chinese citizens living in students were invited to Japan, where they deepened their
Japan number more than 500,000 (approximately 520,000 as understanding of Japan through school visits and stays with
of the end of 2005). In this way, people-to-people exchanges, Japanese families. About 150 Japanese students went to
the foundation of the Japan-China relationship, continue to Chinese tourists in group for Japan (Sep. 2002)
China at the invitation of the Chinese side. Prime Minister
expand. Abe agreed with his Chinese counterparts to the long-term
implementation of this program, aiming at promoting this
Foreign Students in Japan by
type of exchange from the perspective of planting the seeds
Number of Visitors of Japan-China friendship for the future.
Country/Region of Origin
(million)
Total A cooking class in a Japanese high Chinese and Japanese students felt tremendous
4 From Japan to China Japan-China school sorrow upon parting.
From China to Japan
Others 15,651
Exchange Year of Culture and Sports
China 74,292
3
In 2007, Japan and China will celebrate the 35th anniversary Projected Goals for the Japan-China
of the normalization of diplomatic relations. On this Exchange Year of
Thailand 1,734 Total 2 Culture and Sports 2007
U.S.A. 1,790 117, 927 occasion, 2007 has been designated as “The Japan-China
Exchange Year of Culture and Sports 2007” to nurture trust
1.
Vietnam 2,119 Youth exchanges (with the participation of the youth
Malaysia 2,156 1 between the peoples of the two countries based on mutual who will be tomorrow’s leaders)
Taiwan 4,211
0
understanding and to build a stable Japan-China relationship
for the future generations. These programs are expected to
2. Grass-roots exchanges (joint participation by citizens
of both countries and hands-on programs)
As of May 2006
1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
Sources: Annual Report of Statistics on Legal Migrants, Ministry
convey the image of the “new Japan and Japanese people,”
including a perspective on Japanese history over the 60-year
3. Cultural exchanges (introducing Japan’s contemporary
culture in accordance with the needs)
4.
of Justice (for Chinese visitors to Japan during 1975–2005 and
Korea 15,974 Japanese visitors to China during 1975 – 95); China Statistical Sports exchanges
Source: Japan Student Services Organization Yearbook (for Japanese visitors to China during 2000–04); and China post-war period, to Chinese citizens who will lead the next (support for the 2008 Beijing Olympics)
National Tourism Administration (for Japanese visitors to China in
2005) generation.
5. Economic exchanges (stabilization of existing markets
and development of new markets)
6. Social action program (assistance to poor areas,
environmental protection, etc.)
(US$ million)
200 Web address
http://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/area/china/jccs2007/
190
180
170
160
150 Total Trade Volume

5. The Rewards of
Mutual Understanding
The Japan-China 21st Century Friendship Program is intended to foster mutual
understanding and trust between the peoples of the two countries as the foundation
for a long-term relationship. Representative groups of Chinese high school students
have started visiting Japan under this program since May 2006. Below are some opinions
of Chinese students who visited Japanese schools and homes and Japanese students
who accepted the Chinese students in their schools and homes.
Chinese Students Who Stayed in Japan Japanese Students of Families Who Accepted
Chinese Students at Their Homes
In the past, I felt dislike, or more accurately, hated Japan because
of historical and other issues. While stayed in Japan, however, I I feel that what we saw and learned through this exchange was
came to like it without even realizing it. I hope to become an only a small part of each other’s countries, regions, and schools.
emissary of peace and a bridge to friendly relations between I hope to see more exchanges of this type in the future so that
China and Japan. It is my strong desire that China and Japan can we can increase our mutual understanding. I truly felt that it
engage in exchanges in wide-ranging fields as they did during is necessary to bear in mind that “you can’t think you know
the Tang Dynasty. everything about something when you’ve seen just one side of it.”
Second-year female high school student from Shenyang City (Third group, Third-year female junior high school student from Akita Prefecture
October 2006)
There are many problems between China and Japan right
The image that I had of Japan in the past was completely now. My impression of China was not so good. Through
different from that I have now. I feel that I finally came to learn this exchange program, however, my impressions have been
that there are no borders in people’s hearts. I definitely want progressively changed.
Japanese students to come to China and to see the real China. First-year female senior high school student from Tokyo
First-year female high school student from Zhengzhou City (Fourth group,
November 2006) I remember that the Chinese student legs became numb by
sitting on tatami during dinner, and that she kindly taught me
The parents of the home where I stayed welcomed me warmly,
Chinese. Although there were language barriers, we were able
and it felt like I was staying in my own home. When it was time
to understand each other.
to leave, I thought that I shouldn’t cry, but I couldn’t stop tears. Female senior high school student from Tokyo
I will never forget the memories of my stay in Japan.
Female high school student from Hubei Province (Second group, August 2006) (All from the second group, August 2006)
Useful Websites to Know About Japan-China Relationships
Embassy and Consulates of Japan in China Japanese International Organizations’ Chinese Office Studying in Japan
Embassy of Japan in China Japan Foundation Beijing Office Study in Japan Comprehensive Guide
http://www.cn.emb-japan.go.jp/index_e.htm http://www.jpfbj.cn/ http://www.studyjapan.go.jp/en/
Consulate-General of Japan in Shanghai Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) China Office Japan Student Services Organization (JSASSO)
http://www.shanghai.cn.emb-japan.go.jp/cn/index_cn.htm http://www.jica.go.jp/china/english/ http://www.jasso.go.jp/index_e.html
Consulate-General of Japan in Guangzhou Prime Minister of Japan and His Cabinet Information on Japan
http://www.guangzhou.cn.emb-japan.go.jp/cgjp_cn/
Prime Minister of Japan and His Cabinet Web Japan (Chinese Version)
Consulate-General of Japan in Shenyang http://www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/index-e.html http://web-japan.org/index-c.html
http://www.shenyang.cn.emb-japan.go.jp/cn/
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan Foreign Press Center/Japan
Branch Office in Dalian, Consulate-General of Japan in Shenyang http://www.fpcj.jp/e/
http://www.dalian.cn.emb-japan.go.jp/ Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
http://www.mofa.go.jp/ Japan Center for Asian Historical Records (JACAR)
Consulate-General of Japan in Chongqing http://www.jacar.go.jp/english/
http://www.chongqing.cn.emb-japan.go.jp/index_c.htm Japan’s ODA
http://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/oda/ Statistical Handbook of Japan
Consulate-General of Japan in Hong Kong http://www.stat.go.jp/data/handbook/
http://www.hk.emb-japan.go.jp/eng/ Visiting Japan Links
http://www.mofa.go.jp/link/visit.html
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan
Photos: Japan Foundation, Japan International
Cooperation Agency (JICA), JIJI PRESS LTD,
Kyodo News, The Mainichi Newspapers, and
2-2-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8919 Japan
Reuters/AFLO Tel: +81-3-3580-3311 http://www.mofa.go.jp Printed in Japan, March 2007