[Title] Japan-China Joint Press Statement

1. Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe made an official visit to the People's Republic of China from 8 to 9 October 2006, in response to an invitation extended by Premier Wen Jiabao of the People's Republic of China. During his visit, Prime Minister Abe held talks with President of the People's Republic of China Hu Jintao, Chairman of Standing Committee of National People's Congress Wu Bangguo, and Premier of State Council Wen Jiabao.

2. Both sides shared the view that, over the past 34 years since normalization of bilateral relations, exchanges and cooperation in each area between Japan and China have expanded and deepened steadily, the interdependence has deepened, and that Japan-China relations have become one of the most important bilateral relations for both countries. Furthermore, both sides shared the view that promoting the continuation of sound and stable development of the Japan-China relations is fundamental in the interest of both countries, and that it is the solemn responsibility of both countries and of the bilateral relations in the new era to contribute constructively to the peace, stability, and development of Asia and the world.

3. Both sides shared the view that the two countries would continue to observe the principles enunciated in the Joint Communique of the Government of Japan and the Government of the People's Republic of China, the Treaty of Peace and Friendship between Japan and the People's Republic of China, and the Japan-China Joint Declaration, and that they would face past history squarely, advance towards the future, deal appropriately with issues which may influence the development of Japan-China relations, operate the two wheels of politics and economy, and elevate the Japan-China relations to a higher dimension. Furthermore, both sides shared the view that the two countries would strive to build a mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests, and achieve the noble objectives of peaceful co-existence, friendship for generations, mutually beneficial cooperation, and common development.

4. Both sides believe that contact and dialogue between the leaders were greatly significant for sound development of the relationship of the two countries. The Japanese side invited the Chinese leaders to visit Japan. The Chinese side expressed gratitude and agreed in principle, and both sides shared the view that consultation through diplomatic channels should be made. Both sides shared the view that the two leaders would frequently hold talks on the occasion of international meetings.

5. The Chinese side emphasized that the development of China is a peaceful development, and China would achieve development and prosperity together with Japan and other countries. The Japanese side positively appreciated China's peaceful development and that its development has provided a great opportunity for Japan and the international community since it began to reform and open to the outside world . The Japanese side emphasized that Japan more than 60 years after the War, has been consistently following the path of a peaceful country, and would continue to follow this path. The Chinese side positively appreciated this.

6. Both sides reaffirmed that, in order to make the East China Sea a "Sea of Peace, Cooperation and Friendship", both sides should firmly maintain dialogue and consultation, and resolve appropriately difference of opinions. Both sides confirmed that they would accelerate the process of consultation on the issue of the East China Sea, adhere to the broad direction of joint development and seek for a resolution acceptable for the both sides.

7. Both sides shared the view that they would promote exchange and cooperation in areas such as politics, economy, security, society, and culture at various levels.

- strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation particularly in the areas of energy, environmental protection, finance, information and communication technology, and protection of intellectual property.

- promote ministerial-level dialogue, consultation among relevant authorities, and dialogue among the public and private sectors in the economic field.

- taking the opportunity of the 35th anniversary of the normalization of bilateral relations between Japan and China in 2007, actively develop exchange, especially youth exchange, through holding Japan-China Year of Culture and Sports, and enhance friendly sentiment between the two peoples.

- enhance mutual trust in the area of security through Japan-China security dialogue and defense exchange.

- start joint research of history by Japanese and Chinese scholars.

8. Both sides shared the view that they would strengthen coordination and cooperation on international and regional issues.

Both sides expressed their deep concern over the recent situation on the Korean Peninsula, including the issue of a nuclear tests. In this regard, both sides reaffirmed that they would promote the process of Six-Party Talks in accordance with the Joint Statement of the Talks together with the parties, and cooperate and make utmost efforts through dialogue and consultation for achieving denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and maintaining peace and stability in Northeast Asia.

Both sides reaffirmed that they would make joint efforts to promote the process of integration of East Asia, and strengthen their coordination in East Asia regional cooperation and Japan-China-Republic of Korea trilateral cooperation.

Both sides supported necessary and rational reform of the United Nations including the Security Council reform, and expressed their will to enhance dialogue with this regard.

9. The Japanese side expressed its gratitude for the heart-felt and friendly reception by the Chinese side during Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's visit to China.

The statement was announced on 8 October, 2006 in Beijing.