Forum held to discuss China-Japan relations, global peace

Chinese and Japanese representatives from political, economic, and academic fields exchanged views and reached consensus at two sub-forums on peace and on bilateral politics and diplomacy on Wednesday during the 18th Beijing-Tokyo Forum.

One of the high priority topics of the forum was the future China-Japan cooperation and promotion of international peace under the U.N. framework. 

Representatives from China and Japan exchange views at the sub-forum on peace via video link on Dec. 7, 2022. [Photo/CICG]

At the sub-forum on peace, representatives conducted in-depth discussions on the meaning of the U.N. Charter and the restoration of world peace. 

Xu Bu, president of the China Institute of International Studies, said that some countries, out of their own interests, have tried to spilt the world and stoke bloc-based confrontation. The international community should avoid a cold war, value the U.N. Charter, and enhance mutual benefit and cooperation, Xu said. 

As this year marks the 45th anniversary of the signing of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship, the two countries should remain committed to abandoning hegemony, abide by international treaties, advance nuclear disarmament, and contribute to global peace, said Shinyo Takahiro, former representative of Japan to the U.N. 

The representatives also exchanged opinions on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Former Under-Secretary-General of the U.N. Akashi Yasushi said he believes that Japan and China should set aside differences of views, and contribute to a peaceful solution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. 

Jinbo Ken from Keio University said both countries should note the interdependence of the two economies, address differences on security in a proper manner, and build cooperative economic relations based on mutual trust.

Zhao Qizheng, former minister of the State Council Information Office, said that the two countries should achieve peaceful cooperation, then establish an effective security mechanism for Northeast Asia, and finally focus on the Pacific region and explore a peaceful path for Japan, China, and the U.S.