Beijing diplomat urges China and Japan to take long view on tense ties to manage friction

Visiting Japanese delegate expresses concern over recent PLA incursion; veteran Chinese diplomat says relations are at a critical point

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Toshihiro Nikai (left) chairman of the Japan-China Friendship Parliamentarians’ Union, and Liu Jianchao, head of the CCP’s International Department, shake hands ahead of their meeting. Photo: idcpc

Published: 3:31pm, 28 Aug 2024Updated: 8:53pm, 28 Aug 2024

Veteran Chinese diplomat Liu Jianchao has urged visiting Japanese lawmakers to take “a long-term perspective” on ties between the two countries and to manage their differences constructively.

Meeting a cross-party delegation from the Japan-China Friendship Parliamentarians’ Union on Tuesday, Liu said relations were at a critical point.

“It is hoped that both sides will approach Sino-Japanese relations from a broader and long-term perspective, enhance strategic communications and cooperation in various fields, and manage differences constructively,” Liu was quoted as saying.

He also expressed a desire for increased dialogue and exchange visits from all Japanese political factions to China to improve strategic communication and mutual understanding.

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Liu is head of the International Department for China’s ruling Communist Party, and the group from Japan is led by Toshihiro Nikai – a House of Representatives member and a heavyweight in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).