In a significant move to strengthen bilateral relations, China and Japan have agreed to initiate a new round of high-level economic dialogue. This agreement was reached during a meeting between Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on the sidelines of the ninth Trilateral Summit in Seoul, which also included South Korea.
Premier Li emphasized the deepening economic interdependence between the two nations, highlighting immense opportunities for collaboration in areas such as scientific and technological innovation, the digital economy, green development, and the exploration of third markets. \"China and Japan should help each other succeed, jointly maintain stable and unimpeded industrial and supply chains, and safeguard the global free trade system,\" Li stated.
Li also expressed China's willingness to enhance friendly exchanges with Japan across various fields and levels. He underscored the importance of facilitating people-to-people interactions and actively promoting youth exchanges to build strong public support for China-Japan cooperation.
The discussion also touched upon the controversial release of Fukushima's nuclear-contaminated wastewater. Premier Li voiced China's concerns regarding its impact on human health and the global marine environment, urging Japan to demonstrate sincerity and a constructive attitude in addressing these legitimate global worries.
Addressing the Taiwan issue, Li reiterated that it remains at the core of China's interests and is considered a red line. He called on Japan to honor its promises, manage differences appropriately, and foster a positive atmosphere to advance bilateral relations.
Prime Minister Kishida responded by affirming Japan's commitment to the sound and long-term development of bilateral relations. He reiterated Japan's stance on the Taiwan issue as outlined in the Japan-China Joint Statement of 1972 and expressed readiness to work with China to implement the agreed-upon consensus. Kishida highlighted areas of cooperation including the green economy, medical care, third-party markets, personnel exchanges, and tackling global challenges like climate change.
The two leaders also exchanged views on various international and regional issues of mutual concern, signaling a mutual interest in fostering a stable and cooperative relationship moving forward.
Reference(s):
China, Japan agree to a new round of high-level economic dialogue
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