Topic: Sino-Japanese ties

Q: In the beginning of 2012, four Japanese city assembly members landed on the Diaoyu Islands. How is it going to affect China-Japan ties as the two countries mark the 40th anniversary of the normalization of their diplomatic ties this year? What are the common strategic interests for China and Japan? How to build mutual political trust?

A: The Diaoyu Island has been a long standing issue. The Chinese government holds a firm stance that China has indisputable sovereignty over the Diaoyu Islands, which have been an inherent part of China since ancient times. The four right-wing activists who landed on the Diaoyu Islands will not change the fact that the Diaoyu Islands are a part of China. After the incident, we lodged solemn protests to Tokyo, stressing that the Diaoyu Islands are an inherent part of China and China forbids such landings. We have been insisting on seeking solutions through bilateral peaceful negotiations. Before the problem is settled, we demand Japan not initiate any disturbance by launching unilateral actions.

On the other hand, the Diaoyu Islands issue is very sensitive as it is related to the sovereignty. We understand people’s view on the matter. The relationship between China and Japan should be all-around and complete. The healthy and steady development of diplomatic relations is very important to both countries and the region. The key task for China now is development, which calls for a stable regional and international environment. We have been adopting the method of shelving the problem when the conditions for solving the problem are not mature. Of course we declare their sovereignty to China. Our next generation might come up with a better solution to solve the problem. This is a practical model that has been applied by many other countries.