Abe visit signals new dawn for China-japan relations
JAPAN and China signed a series of agreements yesterday, marking a turning point in relations between the two countries.
Although decades of historic tensions remain – with Japan still critical of China’s human rights record – Shinzo Abe, the Japanese prime minister, on a rare visit to China, said his trip marked a new dawn for the neighbours.
“From competition to coexistence, Japan and China bilateral relations have entered a new phase,” Mr Abe said. He added that relations were at a “historic turning point”.
Li Keqiang, the premier of China’s state council, praised the “bright future” of cooperation between the world’s second and third largest economies.
Mr Li also boasted of $18 billion (£14 billion) in business deals, but Japanese officials disputed the amount, saying it was unclear how Beijing had arrived at the figure. They made it clear that signing the deals was not an official endorsement or participation by Tokyo in Beijing’s highly touted “Belt and Road” programme.
Mr Abe’s visit shows the relationship between the countries is on the mend after territorial disputes and a disastrous falling out in 2012 over islands in the East China Sea. Both sides have agreed to cooperate on denuclearising North Korea, to continue dialogue about the disputed region and maritime security, and signed a $30billion (£23 billion) currency swap.
Mr Abe also met Xi Jinping, the Chinese president, and attended a state dinner in the evening.
But despite the public displays of affection from their leaders, both nations are keeping their distance – Japan has invited Mr Xi on a state visit to the country next year though China has not yet accepted.
Japanese officials reaffirmed yesterday that it would not compromise or back down on issues including China’s human rights record.