Delegation from Tibet makes friendly visit to Japan

A Tibetan delegation from China's National People's Congress told Japanese officials and others about the current situation in the Tibet autonomous region and called upon Japan to properly handle Tibet-related issues.

During a five-day visit to Japan, which concluded on Saturday, the delegation met with the former president of Japan's House of Councilors and Chairman of the Japan-China Friendship Center Satsuki Eda, Chief Secretary of the Japan-China Parliamentary Friendship Association Yoshimasa Hayashi and Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Shunsuke Takei.

Heading the Tibetan delegation, Duoji Ciren, a member of the Standing Committee of the autonomous region's People's Congress, said China has adhered to the principle of developing bilateral relations with Japan based on the four political documents and the four-point principled agreement between the two countries and in the spirit of taking history as a mirror while looking forward to the future.

He said that Tibet-related issues concern China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and urged Japan to respect China's core interests and major concerns on related issues and to properly handle such issues.

Duoji also said Tibet has been developing rapidly since it was liberated more than a half-century ago, with the full support of the central government, help from the whole nation and efforts of all ethnic groups in the region.

He said Tibet is currently working toward the goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, along with the rest of the nation, to achieve a thriving social environment and have people of all ethnic groups living and working in peace and contentment in the region.

Eda, of the friendship center, said it is important to maintain good feelings. The Japanese parliament has established a regular exchange mechanism with the NPC, and the Japan-China Friendship Center has also invited Chinese youth to visit Japan on a regular basis to promote mutual understanding and friendship.

Hayashi and Takei said the visit of the Tibetan delegation provided a good opportunity for the Japanese side to learn more about the situation in Tibet, and Japan is willing to deepen communication and cooperation with China in all areas to further improve bilateral ties.

The delegation also held seminars with Japanese scholars and overseas Chinese in Japan during the visit.