Abe, Xi Agree to Build New Japan-China Relationship

Beijing, Oct. 26 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to build a new relationship between the two countries, at their eighth summit, held at China's Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, on Friday. Abe asked Xi to visit Japan next year. In response, the Chinese leader said he is ready to consider the matter "earnestly." They confirmed three new principles for their countries, including "from competition to cooperation." Abe and Xi also agreed to promote mutual visits by the two countries' leaders. At the beginning of the summit, which lasted about 80 minutes, Abe said he hopes to open a new era for the two countries, together with the president, and proposed the three new principles. One of the other two principles describes Japan and China as partners, not threats, and the other calls for the promotion of free and fair trade. Xi pointed out that the bilateral relationship is now back on the right track and showing positive momentum. Abe and Xi last met in the Russian Far East city of Vladivostok in September. At the Beijing meeting, Abe also asked Xi to attend an opening ceremony for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Meanwhile, the prime minister informed Xi of Japan's plan to end its official development assistance for China. Xi expressed his deep gratitude for the Japanese economic assistance. The two leaders reaffirmed the importance of fully implementing U.N. Security Council sanctions resolutions against North Korea for its denuclearization. The Chinese president said he understands and supports Japan's position on the issue of North Korea's abductions of Japanese citizens decades ago. Abe urged Xi to improve the current situation in the East China Sea. Chinese government ships are frequently spotted around the Japanese-administered Senkaku islands in the sea, claimed by China, which calls them Diaoyu. They agreed to enhance communication between their countries in order to avoid unexpected events in the sea. Abe called on the Chinese side to act positively on the issue of Japanese nationals held in China on suspicion of spying. Xi, however, said only that China will appropriately deal with the matter under domestic law. The Japanese prime minister called on China to ensure the openness and transparency of infrastructure investments being promoted under China's Belt and Road development initiative for countries along the old Silk Road. Xi said the initiative could be a model case for cooperation between China and Japan, according to Chinese officials. Abe was quoted as saying that the Chinese initiative has potential and that Japan is ready to step up its cooperation with China, including joint development of third-country markets. Xi briefed Abe on his country's trade friction with the United States, while underscoring the need to safeguard multilateralism and maintain free trade. Abe stressed that it is important for China and the United States to resolve their dispute through dialogue. He said that Japan supports the multilateral free trade system. At the same time, Abe called on China to step up its efforts in dealing with issues including state subsidies and intellectual property rights. END