By South China Morning Post | Created at 2025-01-15 08:36:48 | Updated at 2025-01-15 11:41:53
3 hours ago
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called on Japan’s ruling coalition parties to reflect on history, telling a delegation in Beijing on Tuesday that the two countries can solve all problems through dialogue.
The delegation of lawmakers – led by Hiroshi Moriyama, secretary general of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party, and his counterpart Makoto Nishida, from coalition partner Komeito – was in China on a three-day visit, concluding on Wednesday.
“As long as the direction is clear, the foundation is robust, and perceptions are correct, China and Japan can effectively address existing and potential challenges and disputes through dialogue and consultation, ensuring that Sino-Japan relations remain on a healthy and stable development trajectory,” Wang said.
According to the Communist Party’s International Department, Wang said that Sino-Japanese relations face “a crucial timing” for improvement, adding that the governing parties of both nations are positioned at the forefront of advancing ties.
He also emphasised that for ties to develop sustainably, a correct understanding should be upheld that both nations are “cooperative partners and do not pose threats to each other”.
Wang added that Japan should move beyond its rhetoric of regarding China as an “unprecedented challenge”. He also urged Tokyo to continue upholding the spirit of reflection and apology for past Japanese actions.
“As this year marks the 80th anniversary of victory in the War of Resistance against Japan, there is considerable attention on Japan’s stance on historical issues and the Taiwan issue,” Wang said.
