Asahi Shimbun: I have two questions. The first is about relations between
China and Japan. When you answered the question asked by the Russian reporter,
you described the relationship between China and Russia as better than ever in
history. But talking about relations between China and Japan, despite the
ever-expanding personnel exchanges and trade, people usually characterize our
political relationship as cold, while the economic relationship is seen as hot.
But recently the situation has changed to one where the political relationship
is cold and even economic ties have cooled. What is your comment on such a
situation?
Moreover, what does China expect from Japan in order to solve these
problems?
My second question is about energy and the environment. The rapid
development of China has brought about good opportunities to other countries,
especially the neighbours. We are glad about it. However, there is also the
question of sustainability of energy supplies and the environment. This is a
particular concern for China's neighbours. What measures are you going to adopt
to solve these problems?
Wen: The relationship with Japan is one of the most important bilateral
relationships for China. We are pleased to see that after normalization of ties,
the relationship between China and Japan has enjoyed tremendous development.
Last year, our trade approached US$170 billion. People travelling back and forth
between the two countries exceeded 4 million.
But as you said, there are obstacles to this relationship, especially in the
political field. The fundamental problem is that Japan should correctly view
history. I would like to use this opportunity to propose three principles in
order to strengthen and improve relations between China and Japan.
In addition to the three documents governing the normalization of relations
between the two countries, I believe our relationship should also follow the
three principles I am going to elaborate.
First, take history as a mirror and face forward to the future. This year
marks the 60th anniversary of China's victory in the War of Resistance Against
Japan (1937-45). This part of history reminds us of the untold sufferings the
war brought to the people in China, in Asia and also in Japan. We hope Japan
will seize this opportunity in order to promote friendship between China and
Japan.
Second, Japan should stick to the one-China principle. The security alliance
between Japan and the United States is a bilateral matter between these two
countries. Yet we are concerned in China because it is related to the question
of Taiwan. The question of Taiwan is China's internal affair and it brooks no
direct or indirect interference by any foreign forces.
Third, we should strengthen co-operation for common development. Friendly
co-operation between China and Japan has tremendous potential, especially in the
fields of economic co-operation and trade. Our purpose of promoting such
co-operation is for shared development.
In addition, I also wish to make three suggestions. First, conditions should
be created in order to promote high-level exchanges and visits. Second, the
foreign ministries of the two countries should work together to launch strategic
studies concerning ways and means to promote friendship between the two
countries. And, third, the historical issue should be appropriately handled.
