Joint Communique of the Government of the People's
Republic of China and the Government of Japan  (September 29, 1972)

Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka of Japan visited the People's Republic of China at the invitation of Premier Zhou Enlai of the People's Republic of China from September 25 to September 30, 1972. Accompanying Prime Minister Tanaka were Minister of Foreign Affairs Masayoshi Ohira, Chief Cabinet Secretary Susumu Nikaido and other government officials.

Chairman Mao Zedong met Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka on September 27. They had an earnest and friendly conversation. Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ji Pengfei held an earnest and frank exchange of views with Japanese Prime Minister Tanaka and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ohira in a friendly atmosphere throughout the talks that addressed issues on the normalization of relations between Japan and China, problems between the two countries as well as other matters of interest to both sides, and agreed to issue a joint communique of the two governments, excerpts follow: 

Japan and China are neighboring countries, separated only by a strip of water, but enjoy a long history of traditional friendship. The two peoples have a common desire to put an end to the abnormal state of affairs that has hitherto existed between the two countries. The realization of the aspiration of the two peoples for the termination of the state of war and the normalization of bilateral relations will add a new chapter to the annals of relations between China and Japan.

The Japanese side is keenly conscious of the responsibility for the serious damage that Japan caused in the past to the Chinese people through war, and deeply reproaches itself. Further, the Japanese side reaffirms its position that it intends to realize the normalization of relations between the two countries from the stand of fully understanding "the three principles for the restoration of relation" put forward by the Government of People's Republic of China. The Chinese side expresses its welcome for this.

In spite of differences in their social systems existing between the two countries, China and Japan should, and can, establish relations of peace and friendship. The normalization of relations and development of good neighborhood and friendship are in the interests of the two peoples and will contribute to the relaxation of tension in Asia and peace in the world at large.

1. The abnormal state of affairs that has hitherto existed between the People's Republic of China and Japan is terminated when this Joint Communique is issued and announced.

2. The Government of Japan recognizes the Government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal Government of China.

3. The Government of the People's Republic of China reiterates that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the territory of the People's Republic of China. The Government of Japan fully understands and respects this stand of the Chinese Government, and it firmly conforms to this stand under Article 8 of the Potsdam Proclamation.

4. The Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of Japan have decided to establish diplomatic relations from September 29, 1972. The two governments have decided to take all necessary measures for the establishment and the performance of the functions of each other's embassy in their respective capitals in accordance with international law and practice, and to exchange ambassadors as soon as possible.

5. The Government of the People's Republic of China declares that in the interest of the friendship between the Chinese and the Japanese peoples, it renounces its claim to war reparation from Japan.

6. The Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of Japan agree to establish relations of perpetual peace and friendship between the two countries on the basis of the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit and peaceful co-existence. The two governments confirm that, in conformity with the foregoing principles and the Charter of the United Nations, China and Japan shall in their mutual relations settle all disputes by peaceful means and shall refrain from the use or threat of force.

7. The normalization of relations between China and Japan does not target any third country. Neither of the two countries should seek hegemony in the Asia-Pacific region and each is opposed to efforts by any other country or group of countries to establish such hegemony.

8. The Government of the People's Republic of China and the Japanese Government have agreed that, with a view to strengthening and developing the relation of peace and friendship between the two countries, the two governments will enter into negotiations for the purpose of concluding a treaty of peace and friendship.

9. The Government of the People's Republic of China and the Japanese Government have agreed that, with a view to further promoting bilateral ties and expanding interchanges of people, the two governments will, as necessary and taking account of the existing non-governmental arrangements, enter into negotiations for the purpose of concluding agreements concerning such matters as trade, shipping, aviation, and fisheries.

Zhou Enlai, Premier of the People's Republic of China

Kakuei Tanaka, Prime Minister of Japan

Ji Pengfei, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China

Masayoshi Ohira, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan

Beijing, September 29, 1972

Treaty of Peace and Friendship Between the  People's Republic of China and Japan  (August 12, 1978)

The Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of Japan, recalling with satisfaction that since the two governments issued a Joint Communique in Beijing on September 29, 1972, the friendly relations between the two governments and the two peoples have developed greatly on a new basis.

Confirming that the above-mentioned Joint Communique constitutes the basis of the relations of peace and friendship between the two countries and that the principles enunciated in the Joint Communique should be strictly observed.  Confirming that the principles of the Charter of the United Nations should be fully respected.  Hoping to contribute to peace and stability in Asia and the world at large. For the purpose of strengthening and developing the relations of peace and friendship between the two countries.

Have resolved to conclude a Treaty of Peace and Friendship and for that purpose have appointed as their plenipotentiaries:

Huang Hua, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China

Sunao Sonoda, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan

Who, having communicated to each other their full powers, found to be in good and due form, have agreed as follows:

Article I

1. The contracting parties shall develop relations of perpetual peace and friendship between the two countries on the basis of the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit and peaceful coexistence.

2. The contracting parties confirm that, in conformity with the foregoing principles and the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, they shall in their mutual relations settle all disputes by peaceful means and shall refrain from the use or threat of force.

Article II 

The contracting parties declare that neither of them should seek hegemony in the Asia-Pacific region or in any other region and that each is opposed to efforts by any other country or group of countries to establish such hegemony.

Article III

The contracting parties shall, in the good-neighborly and friendly spirit and in conformity with the principles of equality and mutual benefit and non-interference in each other's internal affairs, endeavor to further develop economic and cultural relations between the two countries and to promote exchanges between the two peoples.  Article IV

This treaty shall not affect the position of either contracting party regarding its relations with any third country.

Article V

1. This treaty shall be ratified and take effect when the instruments of ratification exchanged in Tokyo. This treaty shall remain in force for ten years, and thereafter shall continue to be in force until terminated in accordance with the provisions of clause two.

2. Either contracting party may, by giving one year's written notice to the other contracting party, terminate this treaty at the end of the initial ten-year period or at any time thereafter.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the respective plenipotentiaries have signed this treaty and have affixed thereto their seals.

Done in duplicate, in written forms of Chinese and Japanese languages, both texts being equally authentic, on August 12, 1978 in Beijing.

Huang Hua, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, and Sunao Sonoda, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, signed as respective plenipotentiaries of the two governments.

Sino-Japan Joint Declaration on Building a Partnership  of Friendship and Cooperation for Peace and Development  (November 26, 1998)

In response to an invitation extended by the Japanese Government, President Jiang Zemin of the People's Republic of China paid a state visit to Japan from November 25 to 30 in 1998.

On the occasion of this historically significant first visit to Japan by a Chinese president, President Jiang Zemin met with Japanese Emperor Arkihito, and held in-depth talks and extensive exchange of views with Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi on the international situation, regional issues and current Sino-Japanese relationship in an overall perspective.

They attained a broad common view and, based on the success of this visit, declared as follows:

Both sides shared the view that as the world in the post-Cold War era continues to undergo great changes toward the creation of a new international order. Further economic globalization is deepening interdependence and security dialogue and cooperation are making constant progress. Peace and development remain major issues facing the entire human race. It is therefore the common wish of the international community to build a new international political and economic order, which is fair and rational, and to strive for a peaceful international environment in the 21st century that is even more firmly rooted.

Both sides reaffirmed that the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit and peaceful co-existence, as well as the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, are the basic norms for relations between states.

Both sides positively evaluate the efforts made by the United Nations to preserve world peace and to promote the economic and social development of the world, and believe that the United Nations should play an important role in building and maintaining a new international order.

Both sides express support to the reforms of the United Nations including the reform of the Security Council that enable the United Nations to further embody the common wish and collective will of all members in its activities and policy decision making process.  Both sides stress the importance of the ultimate elimination of nuclear weapons, and oppose the proliferation of nuclear weapons in any form whatsoever, and furthermore, strongly call upon the nations concerned to cease all nuclear testing and nuclear arms race, for contributions to the peace and stability of the Asian region and the world.

Both sides believe that both China and Japan, as influential nations in Asia and the world, bear an important responsibility for preserving peace and promoting development.

Both sides will strengthen coordination and cooperation in the areas such as international politics, economy, and other global issues, thus positively contributing to the endeavor for the peace and development of the world aimed at the progress of humanity.

Both sides believe that, after the Cold War, the Asian region has continued to move toward stability, and the regional cooperation has deepened further. In addition, both sides are convinced that this region will exert greater influence on international politics, economy and security, and will continue to play an important role in the coming century.

Both sides reiterate that it is the unshakable fundamental policy of the two countries to maintain the peace of this region and to promote its development, and that they will not seek hegemony in the Asian region and will settle all disputes by peaceful means, without recourse to the use or threat of force.

Both sides show great concern to the current financial crisis in East Asia and the ensuing difficulties for the Asian economy. At the same time, both sides recognize that the economic foundation of this region is sound, and firmly believe that by advancing rational adjustment and reform based on experiences, as well as by enhancing regional and international coordination and cooperation, the economy of Asia will definitely overcome its difficulties and continue to develop.

Both sides affirm that they should positively meet various challenges that they faced, and respectively make their utmost efforts toward promoting the economic development of the region.

Both sides believe that stable relations among the major nations of the Asia-Pacific region are extremely important for the peace and stability of this region.

Both sides share the view that they should actively participate in all multilateral activities in this region, such as the ASEAN regional forum, promote coordination and cooperation, and support all measures for enhancing understanding and strengthening trust.  Both sides reviewed the bilateral relationship since the normalization of relations between China and Japan, and expressed satisfaction with the remarkable development in all areas, including politics, economy, culture and people-to-people exchanges.

Further, both sides shared the view that under the current situation, cooperation between the two countries is growing in importance, and that further strengthening and developing the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries not only serve the fundamental interests of their peoples, but also positively contribute to the peace and development of the Asia-Pacific region and the world as a whole.

Both sides reaffirmed that the Japan-China relationship is one of the most important bilateral relationships for the respective country, deeply recognized the role and responsibility of both countries in achieving peace and development, and expressed their resolve to establish a partnership of friendship and cooperation for peace, and development toward the 21st century.

Both sides restated that they will observe the principles of the Joint Communique of the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of Japan, issued on September 29, 1972 and the Treaty of Peace and Friendship Between the People's Republic of China and Japan, signed on August 12, 1978, and reaffirmed that the above-mentioned documents will continue to be the most important foundation for the bilateral relations.

Both sides are of the view that China and Japan share a history of friendly exchanges spanning more than 2,000 years, as well as a common cultural background, and that it is the common desire of the peoples of the two countries to continue this tradition of friendship and to further develop mutually beneficial cooperation.  Both sides believe that squarely facing the past and correctly understanding history are the important foundation for further developing relations between Japan and China. The Japanese side will observe the 1972 Joint Communique and the Statement by former Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama delivered on August 15, 1995.

The Japanese side is keenly conscious of the responsibility for the serious distress and damage that Japan caused to the Chinese people through its aggression against China during a certain period in the past and expressed deep remorse for this. The Chinese side hopes that the Japanese side will learn lessons from the history and adhere to the path of peace and development.

Based on this, both sides will develop long-standing relations of friendship.  Both sides share the view that expanding personnel exchanges between the two countries is extremely important for advancing mutual understanding and enhancing mutual trust.

Both sides confirm an annual visit by a leader of either country to the other, the establishment of a Beijing-Tokyo hot line between the two governments, and the further enhancement of personnel exchanges at all levels, in particular among the younger generation who will shoulder the heavy burden of the future development of the two countries.

Both sides share the view that, based on the principles of equality and mutual benefit, they will formulate long-term, stable, cooperative economic and trade relations, and will further expand cooperation in such areas as high technology, information, environmental protection, agriculture and infrastructure. The Japanese side reiterated that a stable, open and developing China is significant for the peace and development of the Asia-Pacific region and the entire world, and restated its policy of continuing cooperation and assistance for the economic development of China. The Chinese side expressed its gratitude for the economic cooperation extended by Japan to China. The Japanese side reiterated that it will continue to support China's efforts for the early accession to the WTO.  Both sides positively evaluate the beneficial role played by their bilateral security dialogue in increasing mutual understanding, and shared the view that they would further strengthen this dialogue mechanism.  The Japanese side continues to maintain its stand on the Taiwan issue which was set forth in the Sino-Japan Joint Communique, and reiterates that there is only one China. Japan will continue to maintain its non-governmental and regional exchanges with Taiwan.

Both sides affirm that, based on the principles of the Sino-Japan Joint Communique and the Treaty of Peace and Friendship, and following the spirit of seeking common interests while setting aside differences, they would work to maximize their common interests and minimize their differences, and, through friendly consultations, appropriately handle the issues, differences and disputes which currently exist and may arise in the future, thereby avoiding any restraint or obstacle to development of friendly relations between the two countries.

Both sides believe that through establishment of a partnership of friendship and cooperation for peace and development, the bilateral relations will enter a new level of development.

To this end, a wide range of participation and sustained effort, not only of both governments, but also of the peoples of both countries, is essential.

Both sides firmly believe that, if the peoples of both countries, hand-in-hand, thoroughly demonstrate the spirit shown in this declaration, it will not only contribute to the friendship of the peoples of both countries for generations to come, but also make an important contribution to the peace and development of the Asia-Pacific region and of the world.

(China.org.cn)