The first session of the new 21st Century Committee for
Japan-China Friendship was held in Dalian from December 5 to 6.
Members of the two sides held that Sino-Japanese friendship and
cooperation in the 21st century is in line with the fundamental
interests of the two countries and two peoples, and is conducive to
peace and development of Asia and the world.
The two sides believed that Sino-Japanese relations are facing
rare opportunities for development. So long as the two sides
shoulder their responsibilities for peace and development and
persist in the general direction of expanding bilateral relations,
China and Japan can be mutually-trusted and mutually-beneficial
partners.
The two sides stressed that China and Japan should treat
bilateral relations with long-term and strategic visions, overcome
drawbacks in the development of bilateral relations, and
especially, properly handle historical problems and the Taiwan
issue.
They also expressed the hope that the committee members of both
countries should live up to their historical missions by offering
advice and suggestions on healthy and stable development of the
bilateral relations in the new century.
The two sides agreed to hold the second session of the new 21st
Century Committee for Japan-China Friendship in Japan next
year.
The new 21st Century Committee for Japan-China Friendship was
inaugurated in July this year and consists of people from the
Chinese and Japanese political, economic, academic and press
circles.
(Xinhua News Agency December 7, 2003)