December 30, 2021

Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo on December 29 held an online meeting with Politburo member and permanent member of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee’s Secretariat Vo Van Thuong.

Thuong started his talk with a summary of current efforts in various fields following the 13th National Congress of the CPV, and then talked about the COVID-19 situation in Vietnam as well as about the international and regional situations.

Shii reported on the political situation in Japan, including the results of the October general election and the JCP activities, but talked mainly about international issues.

Shii pointed out the importance of the success of the first Conference of State Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) slated for this coming March, asking for Vietnam's cooperation in order to have the TPNW joined by an overwhelming majority of the world's governments.

Thuong emphasized that Vietnam consistently maintains the position of seeking to eliminate nuclear weapons, and said that the CPV will work in close cooperation with the JCP at international conferences and will continue to share information with the JCP.

Regarding peace in East Asia, Shii said that with U.S.-China tensions intensifying, it is important to explore ways to resolve issues in a peaceful manner to prevent military responses.

In this connection, Shii noted that ASEAN countries are continuing to address disputes by engaging in peaceful negotiations while working to enhance their regular East Asia Summit (EAS) as a forum for dialogue and cooperation with the additional participation of Japan, the U.S., and China. Shii also noted that ASEAN countries are striving to have their Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC), which prohibits any use of force, cover the whole East Asia. He said he hopes that the JCP and the CPV will work together to make East Asia a truly peaceful region.

Recognizing that every dispute should be resolved peacefully based on international law, Thuong in response said that Vietnam will deepen its relations with partner countries outside the region under the leadership of the ASEAN.

Regarding the issue of climate change, Shii said that Vietnam at the COP26 announced an aggressive reduction target, and asked for Vietnam's cooperation in combatting the climate crisis.

At this online meeting, JCP Vice Chair Tamura Tomoko who also chairs the JCP Policy Commission, and JCP Vice Chair Ogata Yasuo who also chairs the JCP International Commission, were present.