Aso’s optimism shines in spring visit to China

• Source: The Global Times
• [09:19 April 29 2009]
• Comments

GT: I understand that you were involved in some exchanges with Chinese youth through your Junior Chamber (JC) activities when you were younger. What impressions of them did you have as a result of those activities? And, what are your expectations for exchanges between Japanese and Chinese young people?

Taro Aso: It was 30 years ago, in 1979, that I visited China as a representative of the Junior Chamber International Japan (JCI) and participated in some in-depth exchanges with Chinese youth, discussing intently with them the future of Japan and China.

I remember this as if it happened only yesterday. Japan and China have built up their exchanges and their cooperation in a broad range of fields. Once again, I feel very keenly that our current favorable bilateral relations are the result of the exchanges and the efforts of a great number of people in both our countries.

From a mid- to long-term perspective, in considering the development of Japan-China bilateral relations, it is extremely important to have mutual understanding and mutual trust between the youth of our countries, since they will shoulder the future of our relations. In fostering such sentiment, what is most critical is for both Japanese and Chinese young people to meet each other directly and come to appreciate each other in a “real” sense.

The governments of Japan and China have agreed to hold youth exchanges for 4,000 participants each year for four years, beginning in 2008. Last year these exchanges involved about 5,000 people. This year also, the Japanese government plans to invite to Japan about 2,000 senior high-school students and 1,000 young adults from China. We very much hope that the young people who will forge the future of our countries will overcome differences in language and culture to stimulate and learn from each other.

GT: Please share some final thoughts with Global Times readers.

Taro Aso: Japan and China have different political and social systems. In addition, our countries are each conducting diplomacy based on individual national interests. As a result, at times friction arises between our two countries.

However, I am extremely optimistic about the future of Japan-China relations. This is because, through frequent communication with the leaders of China thus far, we share the mutual recognition that the happiness and prosperity of our citizens are what lie ahead as we develop our bilateral relations.

I firmly believe that the only path for our countries to follow is one in which the people of Japan and China accept the differences in our systems and our cultures and adopt a spirit of respect and sensitivity towards each other – in other words, one in which we deepen our coordination and cooperation in the spirit of “mutual understanding.” I would like to forge a brilliant future for both Japan and China and also for the international community, together with you, the Chinese people.
For the Chinese translation see P16 in today’s Global Times Chinese edition