Chinese, Japanese experts explore solutions to enhancing bilateral relations

China International Communications Group (CICG) and Japanese non-profit think tank The Genron NPO held a symposium on Tuesday in anticipation of the 20th Beijing-Tokyo Forum. Experts and scholars from China and Japan held discussions on the current international landscape and bilateral relations between the two countries.

Du Zhanyuan, president of China International Communications Group (CICG), speaks at a China-Japan symposium in Beijing on June 25, 2024. [Photo/CICG]

CICG President Du Zhanyuan said that relations between China and Japan are at a critical juncture, reiterating the growing consensus on strengthening bilateral relations reached by the top leaders of both countries.

Du said that cultural exchange activities between China and Japan have become more frequent, and pointed to the cultural exchange dialogue and the online fan meeting for the giant panda Xiang Xiang held in Tokyo in April, as well as the documentary film about China's Yangtze River by Japanese director Ryo Takeuchi. 

These cultural activities have generated positive responses across society, Du said.

Toshiro Muto, honorary chairman of Daiwa Institute of Research Ltd. and former secretary-general of the Tokyo Organizing Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, speaks at a China-Japan symposium in Beijing on June 25, 2024. [Photo/CICG]

Toshiro Muto, honorary chairman of Daiwa Institute of Research Ltd. and former secretary-general of the Tokyo Organizing Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, said that China and Japan should make concerted efforts to deepen bilateral relations and comprehensively advance their strategic and mutually beneficial relationship. 

Muto stressed that as two major Asian countries, China and Japan bear the responsibility of maintaining global peace and stability, and it is necessary for them to collaborate in undertaking this important duty.

Guests from China and Japan engage in discussions at a China-Japan symposium in Beijing on June 25, 2024. [Photo/CICG]

Yuji Miyamoto, former Japanese ambassador to China, said that, given the current international circumstances, avoiding the escalation of geopolitical risks in Asia should be a common goal for both countries. 

He added that, as the two countries share common values, China and Japan should collaborate to explore solutions to global issues.

Liu Hongcai, vice president of the Chinese Association for International Understanding, said that facilitating people-to-people exchanges, economic cooperation, and cultural communications is crucial for enhancing bilateral relations between China and Japan.