Top advisor outlines development of China-Japan ties

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2006-10-17 11:03

BEIJING -- China's top advisor Jia Qinglin on Monday outlined a blueprint for future development of China-Japan relations, urging the two countries to enhance high-level reciprocal visits and further economic ties.

"We should take advantage of the current favorable situation and make a comprehensive plan for the development of China-Japan relations in the future," said Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

Jia made the remarks in a meeting with Japan's House of councilors President Chikage Ogi, who is visiting China a week after Japan's new Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held summit talks with the Chinese leaders in Beijing.

"The Chinese and Japanese leaders ultimately overcame the political obstacles and reached a consensus on promoting friendly cooperation, bringing bilateral relations back to normal track," said Jia.

Jia suggested the two countries frame a middle and long-term economic cooperation plan focusing on such fields as energy-saving, environmental protection and high-tech to further enhance economic ties.

He also said the two countries should enhance defense and security dialogue to increase mutual trust, and cement cooperation in maintaining peace and stability in Northeast Asia.

Meanwhile the top advisor urged Japan to honor the three political documents and properly handle the Taiwan and history issues, which he said are the basic premise for the healthy and stable development of China-Japan relations.

Chinese Vice President Zeng Qinghong also met with Ogi on Monday, saying China will always take Japan as good neighbor and partner in the process of "peaceful development".

"China attaches great importance to China-Japan relations and follows the policy of China-Japan friendship," said Zeng.

Ogi said the friendly relations between Japan and China falls within the common aspirations of the Japanese parties and people, and is beneficial to peace and stability in the region and the world.

The rapid growth of China's economy has helped impel Japan's economic development, said Ogi, adding that Japan will make joint efforts with China to expand exchanges in various fields to lift Japan-China relations to a higher level.