China and Japan to fight against financial crisis and swine flu together

• Source: The Global Times
• [21:04 April 30 2009]
• Comments

By Zhang Wen

China and Japan have agreed today that both sides will cooperate to fight against the global economic crisis and ongoing swine flu, as well as work on environment and energy conservation, according to Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso wrapping up his two-day China trip.

“I appreciate the warm welcome and hospitality from both Chinese government and Chinese people.” Aso said in a press conference after his meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao.

As the world’s second and third largest economies, China and Japan agree on the expansions of their domestic demands and cooperation towards deterring protectionism in trade and investment.

"I believe we could learn a lesson from the crisis and build a stronger economy and a management mechanism as well," Aso said when addressing a luncheon meeting with over 100 Chinese and Japanese young entrepreneurs, held by the Japanese Embassy to China and the All China Youth Federation.

Aso also told reporters that two leaders agreed on seeking an early restart of six-party talks to end Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s nuclear weapons program, which has raised regional tensions. “Two countries should cooperate closely to bring DPRK back to the talk, which is the most realistic way to solve the problem.” He said.

China and Japan also agreed on comprehensive cooperation in environment and energy conservation. From 2000 to 2008, there are already 505 cooperation projects carried on in this area by the two countries.

As for further promotion of interpersonal exchanges, individual tourism to Japan will open to Chinese nationals in July. A new airline connecting Tokyo and Beijing will be launched from October.

Jia Huixuan, deputy director from Center for Japanese Studies of Peking University, “China and Japan should get better acquainted with each other, and bring the existing complementarily into play. Both sides should avoid acting impetuously which is caused by certain issues.”

Although cooperation and exchange have become the focus points, the “history” - a sensitive issue - is still the question mark in Sino-Japanese relationship, as Aso made an offer to Yasukuni War Shrine short before his visiting to China. Aso addressed that Japan will face history squarely, and advance toward the future as a response to Premier Wen Jiabao raising the history issue.