Free Sino-Japanese ties from old emotional strains
- Source: Global Times
- [20:59 July 07 2010]
- Comments
GT: The East China Sea is a politically sensitive region. What do you think of the East China Sea problem?
Okada: As the Chinese and Japanese economies are increasingly dependent on each other, disputes and frictions naturally arise. Apart from resolving their disagreement, China and Japan should establish long-term cooperation, which is supposed to be the normal diplomatic status. Both should refrain from causing emotional controversies. We should build friendship and cooperation around the East China Sea.
GT: The Liberal Democratic Party once proposed that the relations between Japan, the US, and China should be like an "equilateral triangle." Following Yukio Hatoyama's resignation, can you anticipate the relations now?
Okada: The US is the only ally of Japan with the same values and strategic interests. The alliance between Japan and the US is the foundation of Japanese diplomacy, as well as the foundation of Asia's prosperity and peace. The Japanese-US relationship is the prerequisite for all other bilateral relations associated with Japan.
I think Sino-Japanese relations are essentially different from the Japanese- US relationship. Of course, the Sino- Japanese relationship is one of the most important diplomatic relationships that Japan wants to foster.
GT: Recently the Chinese yuan has been under heavy international pressure to appreciate. The Japanese yen shared a similar experience. What is the Japanese stance on a rising yuan? Does Japan have some lessons on currency appreciation?
Okada: The People's Bank of China has announced on June 19 that it would "proceed further with reform of the yuan exchange rate regime and enhance the yuan exchange rate flexibility." Japan welcomes this measure and expects more Chinese contributions to Asia's economy and the stable and balanced growth of the global economy.
Although Japan has also experienced forced currency appreciation, its economic structure is different from China's. Therefore, it would be inappropriate to make a comparison.
GT: Reportedly it was you who nominated 71-year-old Uichiro Niwa, an adviser to the trading house Itochu Corp, to serve as the new Japanese ambassador to China. It creates a precedent because no civilian has held this post before. Why did you choose him?
Okada: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan expects civilian candidates to be knowledgeable about foreign relations and diplomacy. Uichiro Niwa is overqualified due to his background in corporate management. He also knows the economy and China issues well. I think he would be a good ambassador for these reasons.
GT: What do you expect from Uichiro Niwa after he takes office?
Okada: Our communication is frank and thorough. We will collaborate on the Sino-Japanese relationship, which is increasingly crucial, and promote bilateral cooperation in all areas.
I expect that his job would play an important role in cultivating mutually beneficial strategic relations between China and Japan.
