Stalemate in Sino-Japanese ends to restore twilight

An interview with the Chinese ambassador to Japan, Wang Yi. by the Globe Magazine on China-Japan relations.

Globe: What do you consider Japan's position to be in China's diplomacy?

Wang Yi: China and Japan have a 2,000-year history of exchange, unique in state-to-state relations. The two countries have accumulated and inherited inexhaustible wisdom from this long period of contact. In ancient times, Japan learnt from and even imitated China; in modern times, Japanese militarism has been catastrophic to the Chinese nation. It can be said that both China and Japan have had a direct and significant impact on each other.

Since the founding of the New China, generations of Chinese leaders have attached great importance to Sino-Japanese relations and have devoted a lot of time and energy to them. At present, China is pushing forward its foreign policy in all-directions, focusing on big powers as keys and surrounding countries as primaries. As both a big power and China's neighbor, Japan is an important nation that often requires deliberate consideration from a range of perspectives in the overall diplomatic strategy.

Japan has become an important economic and trading partner. The bilateral trade volume is expected to exceed US$200 billion this year, almost identical to the volume of trade between China and the EU as a whole. Japan has invested in more than 36,000 projects in China. The two countries have recognized over 300 pairs of sister cities. This year, personnel exchanges between the countries will exceed 4.5 million visits. Obviously Japan and China have become inextricably linked to one another in what is a mutually beneficial relationship.

Both China and Japan are countries that have played, or in China's case, that are still playing, "catch-up" with the developed world. Japan has experienced many problems that China is currently facing. Its experience serves as a better reference than the lessons of many other countries. We can learn from Japan as we implement a scientific concept of development and build a harmonious society.

The two countries have nearly equal influence in global issues, especially in Asian affairs; therefore it is necessary for China and Japan to increase dialogue and communication in both the regional and international arena.

It can be concluded that either in terms of history or real, geopolitical interests, Japan occupies a unique and important position in Chinese diplomacy.

Globe: Why might Sino-Japanese relations reach a turning point this year?

Wang Yi: For the last five years, leaders of Japan have persisted in paying homage to Japanese soldiers at the Yasukuni Shrine. This resulted in the most difficult situation in Sino-Japanese relations since the resumption of diplomatic ties between the two countries. After the war, Sino-Japanese relations were built on the Japanese government's recognition of the aggressive nature of the war, their responsibility for the war, and their commitment to a change of attitude. Japanese military leaders were classified as Class-A war criminals. Chinese people will never accept the glorification of those criminals. Other Asian countries and the international community will not accept it either.

The Yasukuni Shrine issue has seriously hindered the healthy development of Sino-Japanese relations. China has remained firm on this issue. To ultimately resolve the issue, the Japanese must adopt a different approach. After years of internal discussions, opponents of the shrine visits are finally gaining the upper hand. In August and September this year when the Japanese government changed, a poll showed that more than 80 percent of the Japanese people wanted to improve relations with China and other neighboring countries. Since then, China and Japan have held a series of negotiations, finally overcoming the political obstacles that have hampered their relationship and reaching a consensus on promoting the healthy development of Sino-Japanese relations. This has created a favorable environment and ensured the necessary conditions for the resumption of meetings between leaders of the two countries.

In recent years, Sino-Japanese relations have been characterized by contradiction and friction. The key issue has been the Yasukuni Shrine visits. However, there is a broader background to the tension: China and Japan are increasing their national strength and their bilateral relations have reached a historic turning point and are entering a period of transition. A high-ranking Japanese official once said that the development and revitalization of China is a matter of fact and that the Japanese must accept it. Just as the Americans struggled to accept Japan's rise in the 1980s, many Japanese people are not yet fully prepared to accept China's development. In other words, we still need time to completely straighten out bilateral relations. There has to be a process, and the two need to make further efforts to this end.

Globe: In what light do you see Prime Minister Abe's visit to China?

Wang Yi: On October 8 this year, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited China, just two weeks after assuming office. This made him the only Japanese Prime Minister to choose China for his first official state visit in the 60 years since the war. During his stay in China, Abe spoke with Chinese President Hu Jintao, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the NPC, Wu Bangguo, and Premier Wen Jiabao about Sino-Japanese relations and issues of common concern to reach an important consensus. Abe's visit broke the political deadlock and opened a window of hope for the restoration of bilateral relations. It was an important step forward towards further improvement and development of bilateral relations. I think that progress has been made in several major areas of Sino-Japanese relations:

Firstly, normal activities between the leaders of the two countries have resumed and the process of re-building trust has been initiated. Not long ago, President Hu Jintao again met with Prime Minister Abe at the APEC meeting in Hanoi. The leaders have reached a consensus in principle on the next round of high-level visits between China and Japan.

Secondly, the direction of the development of bilateral relations has been made clear. Both countries have agreed to abide by the principles outlined in the three political documents. This includes the Sino-Japanese Joint Statement, in which they agree to "learn from history and face the future", and build a mutually beneficial and strategic relationship. This will fulfill the goals proposed by President Hu Jintao ¨C peaceful coexistence, friendship from generation to generation, cooperation and common development. These four goals interact with each other, defining a blueprint for a comprehensive, long-term relationship and a strategic framework.

Thirdly, the main focuses of bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the future have been determined. Both have agreed to increase cooperation on energy, the environment, communication, finance and hi-technology as well as cultural and youth exchanges. They will also promote cooperation and coordination in regional and international affairs such as the Korean peninsula issue.

Globe: What is the outlook on Sino-Japanese relations?

Wang Yi: After breaking the political stalemate, Sino-Japanese relations have improved and developed enormously in various fields. Leaders of the two countries have met frequently and constantly provided political impetus to the process of improvement. High-level contact has remained frequent. Following the speakers of the Japanese Senate, the speaker of the House of Representatives is also planning a visit to China. Important members of Abe's cabinet and leaders of major Japanese political parties are preparing to visit China, too. Government departments are discussing mid-term and long-term cooperation. Military exchanges between the two countries have been restored. Not long ago, a Chinese Cultural Festival opened in Tokyo. Members of Japan's imperial family, speakers from the Senate and House of Representatives, the chief cabinet secretary and other cabinet members, 70 members of Congress and various celebrities attended the festival.

This proves that when the two countries are able to overcome political obstacles, Sino-Japanese relations can again blossom. As long as the correct political judgment is made, the two countries will both benefit from the relationship. Sino-Japanese friendship has a sound basis. There is great potential for the two countries to cooperate in many fields.

In my opinion, it will not be easy to maintain the momentum of improvement in Sino-Japanese relations. Firstly, we should further consolidate the political foundation of the relationship and find ways to handle sensitive issues such as WWII and Taiwan. Secondly, we should expand the social basis of the relationship, make efforts to heal people's hurt, and guide public opinion. Thirdly, we need to consolidate economic ties which will mean cooperating further and doing more practical things to benefit the people of both countries.

Globe: How should we go about building mutually beneficial and strategic Sino-Japanese relations?

Wang Yi: There is much significance in China and Japan's agreement to build a beneficial, strategic relationship. Firstly, it shows that Japan has made a positive and strategic adjustment to its China policy. Second, it fills a blank in the framework of China's big power strategy. Thirdly, it helps define the direction of bilateral relations. Both countries are now considering the content of their bilateral relationship in the future. I think it might include the following points:

Firstly, each should adhere to the principle of peaceful development. Japan has learnt from history and chosen the path of peace and development, and this new image has seen it welcomed by its Asian neighbors and the international community. China hopes that Japan will continue along this path. As for China, we will always follow a course of peaceful development. This is our basic national policy as well as the most viable option. It is not only in the fundamental interests of the Chinese people; it also conforms to the trend of the times and the expectations of international community.

Secondly, the two countries should go beyond the differences in social systems and ideology. China and Japan have very different situations and social systems but this should not affect friendly exchanges. As close neighbors, we need each other and must live in harmony. As part of Asia, we have both been influenced by traditional Eastern civilizations and values. We should respect each other, learn from each other, reserve differences and seek to live in harmony.

Thirdly, China and Japan should promote pragmatic cooperation for mutual benefit. They should cherish and carry forward the tradition of friendship, maximize the convergence of interests, and strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation. In May this year, despite the tough political environment, the two countries successfully hosted the first large-scale comprehensive energy-saving and environmentally friendly Sino-Japanese Forum. This is a very good example of cooperation. Energy-saving and environmentally friendly cooperation will benefit future generations of both countries and the world. .

Finally, China and Japan should work together to rejuvenate Asia and open up the continent. The international community is generally optimistic about the development of Asia, especially East Asia. Coordinating and cooperating in regional affairs and building a harmonious, open and cooperative Asia are not only the historical mission of both countries, but are in their common interest. Naturally, this is one of the most important areas of a beneficial, strategic relationship.

Globe: From the Asian perspective, what is the role and status of China and Japan?

Wang Yi: China and Japan are both major countries in Asia. With their combined GDP accounting for more than 80 percent of the gross GDP of East Asia and total population and trade volume accounting for 70 percent and 60 percent respectively, the two countries play a decisive role in Asia. It is the responsibility of all Asian countries to endeavor to build up ASEAN and seek a harmonious continent. Whether or not Asian countries can realize these goals is closely tied to the Asia policy of China and Japan and Sino-Japanese bilateral relations.

I do not think there are any sovereignty disputes between China and Japan. Firstly, China and Japan play a complementary role in regional cooperation. Japan has ample capital, advanced technology and management experience. China's comparative advantages are a huge market, abundant human resources and sound industrial productive capacity. Both horizontal and vertical divisions of labor exist. Secondly, China and Japan have many common interests in regional affairs. Both advocate a peaceful solution to the problems in the Korean peninsula, promote open regionalism, and, give weight to the 10 +3, the East Asian Summit as well as other multilateral mechanisms. In addition, they are equally devoted to the construction of the East Asian community. Thirdly, the process of Asian integration has been initiated by economic cooperation and the construction of the ASEAN community has begun. China will continue to support ASEAN and play a leading role in the process of regional cooperation. I believe Japan will adopt the same attitude.

In short, China welcomes Japan as a member of Asia to pay more attention to Asia's development, give full play to its own advantages, and make contributions to regional cooperation and integration in Asia.

Globe: What is your perspective on your diplomatic mission in Japan?

Wang Yi: My first feeling is that the friendship between China and Japan still has a solid social foundation. During the last two years, I've toured many Japanese cities and rural areas to explain China's current situation and expound on China's stance. Even when the political atmosphere was tense and there was controversy, most of the audience was able to understand and accept our position. This was primarily because our actions were based on facts and evidence. I also think that most Japanese people have a friendly attitude towards China. Embassies deal mainly with foreign affairs. My experience is that because the essence of the interests of China is in chorus with the evolving trends of the times and the interests of the world, we have been able to safeguard our national interests.

My second feeling is that Japan pays close attention to China and Sino-Japanese relations. Due to geographical closeness, complicated historical grievances, and deeply-interwoven interests, Japan has a lot of reports on China in its daily newspapers and television news. The number of reports is probably among the highest of any foreign nation in the world. I invited some of our neighbors to visit the Embassy shortly after I assumed office in Japan. During our conversation, I discovered that almost every family had some form of ties to China. In China, too, people are interested in Japan. The Central Committee has repeatedly emphasized the importance of globalization and the spread of information and asked us to consider the interaction between internal and external affairs to better understand the overall situation. Sino-Japanese relations are actually a relatively typical example.

My third feeling is that the two countries need to promote mutual understanding. In recent years, China has witnessed dramatic, rapid development and progress. However, some people in the international community, including Japanese, still have a Cold War mentality towards China. While China expands reforms, facilitates the opening-up process, and makes social progress, some Japanese media focus only on problems. As for Japan, it has also experienced significant changes in recent years. So, I think an important task for the time being is to strengthen bilateral exchanges at various levels between the two countries. Exchanges will increase understanding, and understanding will promote trust. This is the responsibility of both the people and the government.

China is forging a path to accommodate its unique national situation. It is a road of socialism with Chinese characteristics that has received widespread support from people of all nationalities in the country. We will not stray from this path. We should strive to help the international community, especially our neighbors, to understand and appreciate what we are doing. We should help them to see that everything we are doing is not only in China's interests, but all mankind's. This way we can ensure a more relaxed and favorable international political, economic and public environment for the long-term development of our country. In this regard, Chinese embassies in foreign countries shoulder an important responsibility. We will do our duty to advance China's foreign policy of peace, publicize our path of peaceful development, and be pioneers in seeking a harmonious world.

By People's Daily Online