Cable from Ambassador Katori to the Foreign Minister, 'Prime Minister Visit to China (Foreign Ministers’ Discussion – Bilateral Relations)'

Number R037708

Primary: Asia and China

Sent: China 01:35 Year Month 25

Received: MOFA 03:04 1984 March 26

To: The Foreign Minister From: Ambassador Katori

Prime Minister Visit to China (Foreign Ministers’ Discussion - Bilateral Relations)　

Number 1346 Top Secret Top Urgent Q36A

Wire1339 Separate Wire 7

1. The issue regarding the venue for the Asia Games

Cabinet Minister Abe requested China’s support for making Hiroshima the venue for the 1990 Asia Games. Foreign Minister Wu responded with a bitter smile saying that friendly states are butting heads. (1) China is also trying to host the competition (in Beijing.) China has never hosted an international sporting competition, and so the Chinese people are hopeful of hosting such a competition even just once. Furthermore, there is more than a little support from Asian countries for the games to be held in China. (2) Therefore, we seek Japan’s understanding and cooperation on this matter. (3) However, as China and Japan are friendly countries, we do not want to have to have this issue settled with the board. We hope to find a solution through discussions between out respective Olympic committees. (Furthermore, Foreign Minister Wu stated his personal opinion: if it is possible for Japan to defer to China’s bid for the 1990 games in Beijing in exchange for holding the games in Hiroshima in 1994.) In response, Foreign Minister Abe answered that he hopes for a satisfactory resolution to this issue.

2. ICJ Elections

Foreign Minister Abe conveyed that we have not adequately taken time to consider the Foreign Minister’s letter requesting support for their candidate. In addition, Abe sought China’s support for Judge Oda’s reelection for a judge on the ICJ. Foreign Minister Wu responded that he is not very knowledgeable about the issue and that he will consider the issue at a later time. He added that Japan and China are friendly nations and that he hopes for friendly discussion.

3. Plan to rescue pandas

Foreign Minister Abe introduced the fund raising campaign (goal of 200 thousand yen) to rescue pandas and conveyed that we are prepared to give grant aid (approximately 50 million yen) if there is demand. Foreign Minister Wu responded: (1) We express our gratitude for Japan’s strong care for the pandas. (2) The mao zhu bamboo keeps blooming but the type of bamboo important for pandas is withering. The bamboo that pandas eat is disappearing. We are putting in all of our efforts to move the panda’s habitat. If this does not go well, there is the fear of extinction. (3) We are thankful for Japan’s goodwill towards pandas. In addition, we will forward this conversation to concerned parties (specifics will be discussed later).

4. Bringing China Airlines to Nagoya Airport

Lastly, Foreign Minister Abe made a request on behalf of Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Mizuhira, who is from Nagoya. The request was for Chinese airlines to consider adding a line to Nagoya airport, which took the initiative in terms of Japan-China relations during Ping Pong diplomacy. Foreign Minister Wu said that this was a good idea and that he would forward the idea to Chinese airlines. (End)