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Chinese Vice Premier Wu Yi speaks at the 11th International
Conference on 'The Future of Asia' in Tokyo May 23, 2005.
(Reuters) |
Vice-Premier Wu Yi and Japanese House of Representatives Speaker Yohei
Kono met here yesterday to exchange views on relations between the two
countries.
Wu said she gained an impression of Japanese people's friendship
towards Chinese people and their earnest wish to improve relations after
attending the China Day held at the Aichi Expo 2005 and during her
week-long visit to Japan.
Wu urged the Japanese Government to properly handle the issue of
history and stop harming the Sino-Japanese friendship and Chinese people's
heart.
The vice-premier said that one of the purposes of her trip was to push
for the implementation of the agreement on the development of
Sino-Japanese relations reached between the Chinese and Japanese leaders
during their meeting at the Jakarta summit and help return the bilateral
relations to a path of normal development.
Kono echoed Wu's remarks on bilateral relations,
saying the two countries should overcome difficulties and push for the
normalizing
of
ties.
With deepening co-operation, the two sides have become more dependent
on each other and grown closer, he said, adding that the further
development of relations was important for regional and world stability
and prosperity.
Wu yesterday also called on Asian nations to take
responsibility for the development and prosperity
of the region.
It was a historic time for Asia to attain peace and development,
despite numerous challenges, Wu said at a lecture sponsored by Nihon
Keizai Shimbun Inc.
All Asian nations are obliged to take responsibility for building a
peaceful, stable, prosperous and harmonious Asia, she said.
To that end, Wu made five proposals:
Build up awareness of Asia and reinforce co-operation.
Boost mutual trust and consider the concerns of other countries.
Update the concept of security to maintain peace and stability.
Push for all-out co-operation spearheaded by economy and trade.
Tolerate cultural diversity.
As for co-operation between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations
and China, Japan and South Korea, she said the countries concerned should
enhance economic co-operation and improve the level of economic
integration.
On the role that China and Japan are supposed to play, Wu pointed out
that their co-operation is the prerequisite for the peace, stability and
development of Asia. The long-term and fundamental national interests
hinge on their peaceful co-operation, perpetual friendship, mutual benefit
and common development, which is also the expectation of the rest
countries in the region.
(Agencies) | 
Updated: 2005-05-24 10:19
