Chinese Ambassador to Japan Speaks for Peace and Friendship | Treaty | Ambassador

On August 10th, Ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao attended the 45th anniversary commemorative gathering of the signing of the China Japan Peace and Friendship Treaty and delivered a speech. The theme of the gathering is "Friendship between Japan and China is one of Japan's greatest security guarantees". Former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, Social Democratic Party leader Mizuo Fukushima, Chairman of the Murayama Dialogue and Development Association Takashi Fujita, former Director of the Hiroshima Peace Research Institute Kimoto Asai, Embassy Counselor Zhang Yibo, and more than 300 academic, cultural, media, and civic group members from both Japan and China attended.

Wu Jianghao stated that the signing of the China Japan Peace and Friendship Treaty 45 years ago was an important milestone in the history of bilateral relations. It establishes the development of lasting peace and friendship between the two countries in legal form as a common obligation of both sides, stipulates a series of core principles such as non-interference in each other's internal affairs, the use of peaceful means to resolve all disputes, and joint opposition to any country's pursuit of hegemony. It is not only a must abide by principle in handling bilateral relations, but also has important practical significance in resolving many disputes in the world today. To commemorate the 45th anniversary, it is not only necessary to revisit the original intention of the treaty, but more importantly, to faithfully fulfill treaty obligations, firmly grasp the correct direction of peace, friendship, and cooperation, and build China Japan relations that meet the requirements of the new era.

Wu Jianghao pointed out that we must resolutely safeguard peace. Why did China and Japan sign a treaty named after peace and friendship? It is because of the war history in which Japanese militarism deeply harmed the people of both countries, that we solemnly declare that the two peoples will be friendly for generations. However, 45 years later today, some people in Japan seem to have forgotten the lessons of history, exaggerating the "China threat" and inciting "Taiwan Strait issues". Some even threaten to strengthen deterrence and base themselves on war, which is a dangerous statement. If influenced by it, Japan will once again be led astray in history.

Wu Jianghao pointed out that we should hold high the banner of friendship. The world is changing and the times are changing. Why do we still insist on friendship today, 45 years later? This is because friendship is the fundamental interest of both countries and the only correct choice that has been repeatedly tested by history and reality. No matter how great difficulties and obstacles the relationship between the two countries encounters, no matter how many forces deliberately provoke the confrontation between China and Japan, we cannot shake our original intention. Instead, we must confidently hold high the banner of friendship, effectively follow the principles of the four political documents between China and Japan, and work together to maintain the overall situation of the relationship between the two countries.

Wu Jianghao pointed out that we must adhere to win-win cooperation. Should China and Japan continue to cooperate, and can we cooperate? This should not have been a problem, but it has now become a real question that troubles the development of bilateral relations. The deep integration of the Chinese and Japanese economies, mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, brings enormous benefits to the people of both countries. At the same time, the cooperation between the two sides is being disrupted by political factors, with some people attempting to weaken or even cut off the economic and trade ties between China and Japan under the guise of "economic security" and "de risk", and following individual countries to curb China's development. We must eliminate obstacles, adhere to the main theme of win-win cooperation, bring greater benefits to the people of both countries, and make greater contributions to regional and global development.

Wu Jianghao emphasized that under the current situation, it is very important to strengthen personnel exchanges and promote mutual understanding. Starting from today, China will fully resume team tours for Chinese tourists to Japan. At the same time, we welcome more Japanese people to visit China, experience the development and changes of China in the post pandemic era, and understand a more realistic and three-dimensional contemporary China. We are further optimizing visa facilitation measures to this end. At a time when China Japan relations are facing severe challenges, we hope that knowledgeable individuals from all walks of life in China and Japan can work together to promote the healthy and stable operation of China Japan relations, jointly protect cooperation, maintain friendship, and seek common development.

Former Prime Minister Hatoyama stated that the signing of a peace and friendship treaty between Japan and China 45 years ago still holds great significance to this day. At the same time, there have been significant changes in the strength comparison and international regional situation between Japan and China. Both sides should go beyond differences in political systems and values, uphold the spirit of mutual respect and understanding, properly handle various issues such as history and Taiwan, and accumulate cooperation results in a wide range of bilateral and multilateral fields.This directly conflicts with the Japanese Constitution's provision to renounce the right to war, and also violates the obligation of the Japan China Peace and Friendship Treaty to use peaceful means to resolve all disputes and not to threaten with force.Against the backdrop of intensified competition between China and the United States, Japan should not intensify the confrontation between major powers, but should strive to play a role as a communication bridge between China and the United States.

Chairman Fujita delivered a speech on behalf of the organizers, stating that on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the signing of the Japan China Peace and Friendship Treaty, Japan should deeply reflect on the historical lessons of aggression and always remember that peace and friendship are one of Japan's greatest security guarantees. Some Japanese rulers want to stop their erroneous practice of viewing China as a hypothetical enemy and advancing preparations for war. We hope that both sides will work together to maintain peace and friendship between Japan and China, as well as to promote the development and prosperity of Asia.

In their speeches, the participants criticized the absurd argument of "Taiwan has something to do" and the erroneous remarks of some Japanese politicians concerning Taiwan, asked the Japanese government to stop following the United States to suppress and contain China, and advocated that Japan and China deepen practical economic and trade cooperation and jointly build the "the Belt and Road".