JCP chair exchanges views with NPC vice chair on improving Japan-China ties

   Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo at the JCP head office in Tokyo on March 27 held talks with Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress Lu Yongxiang, who was in Japan at the invitation of the House of Councilors on a regular exchange between the House and the NPC. Shii and Lu had talks two years ago.

   Lu stated that deepening mutual understanding and trust through exchanges gives a positive effect on improving and developing Japan-China relations, and expressed his gratitude for the JCP’s contribution to promote ties between the two countries.

   Welcoming the positive changes in Japan-China relations that have taken place since Prime Minister Abe Shinzo visited China last October, Shii expressed his hope that Lu’s stay in Japan and Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao’s visit to Japan in April will further strengthen bilateral relations.

   At the same time, Shii pointed out that Japan is just making a start to resolve historical issues and expressed his criticism of Abe’s remarks concerning the wartime “comfort women” issue for denying in effect the Kono Statement.

   He went on to say that an aberrant political current justifying Japan’s war of aggression underlies such moves and that the rooting out of the current will enable Japan to foster true friendship with other Asian nations. Shii stressed that the JCP will make utmost efforts to achieve this goal.

   Referring to the international criticisms of Japan concerning the “comfort women” issue, Shii pointed out that not only Japan’s perception of history but also its perception of human rights is called into question, adding that in order to settle North Korea’s abduction issue Abe must also withdraw his remarks.

   Lu in reply said that Shii presented an accurate analysis of the development of Japan-China relations.

   Lu said that China opposes hegemony and the use of force as a means of settling international disputes, and that China firmly maintains the position of solving disputes peacefully within the framework of the United Nations.

   Shii replied that the JCP calls for international disputes to be settled peacefully and diplomatically based on the U.N. Charter, thereby sharing the same view with China.

   Lu paid tribute to the JCP’s political philosophy, understanding of history, and sense of responsibility toward the future of Japan.

   In response, Shii said he will make efforts to remake Japan so that it can reflect on its history and contribute to building an East Asian community of nations for peace.                             - Akahata, March 28, 2007