Summary of Prime Minister Nakasone's Visit to China (Part 1) (Discussion with General Secretary Hu Yaobang)

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Summary of Prime Minister Nakasone’s Visit to China (Part 1)

(Discussion with General Secretary Hu Yaobang)

November 8, 1986

China Division

Following is the summary of the discussion between Prime Minister Nakasone and General Secretary Hu Yaobang, which took place on 8 November, from 18:00 to 19:25, in the Great Hall of the People.

(At the start of the discussion, in response to General Secretary Hu’s remark, “Representing China and the Chinese people, I welcome you to China,” Prime Minister Nakasone stated, “I thank you for the splendid ceremony on this visit to China. Thank you for arranging for me this warm weather called a Beijing autumn sky.)

(General Secretary Hu’s Remarks)

I am satisfied with relations between our two countries. I applaud Prime Minister Nakasone for making a new contribution to the development of relations between China and Japan. As I see it, Prime Minister Nakasone and the Japanese people correctly understand the feelings of the Chinese people and we, too, correctly understand the feelings of the Japanese people. There is no problem between us two leaders. There are a few persons who do not understand the relations between our two countries, but that is no matter. It has no influence on the overall situation.

(Prime Minister Nakasone’s Remarks)

(1) I am satisfied with relations between our two countries. There exists basic principle between the two countries. I firmly believe that, if we observe this principle, there will be no problem in the future between the two countries.

(2) Our two countries have a different history and system, but if both countries cooperate, we will contribute greatly to the peace and stability of Asia and, in so doing, to that of the world.

(3) If we respect the feelings of our peoples and sovereign independence, we will have no worries, even if winds and waves should arise at times. In any event, friendship between the leaders of both countries is important.

(4) I respect the General Secretary for making efforts in taking into consideration various Japanese circumstances. I, too, attach great importance to relations between our two countries and would like henceforth to make further efforts.

(5) The great majority of the Japanese people support the relations between Japan and China of which I am thinking. The recent general election is evidence of this.

(6) We have met again this time to reconfirm these matters. (After the above statements, the Prime Minister and the General Secretary again shook hands.)

(General Secretary Hu’s Statement)

1. China’s Foreign Policy

a. China’s foreign policy will always remain without change. We will firmly maintain a policy of independence and peace, not joining in the arms race or allying with any great power or group, and further strengthening cooperation with friendly countries.

b. Relations between the United States and China, calm on the whole, are satisfactory.

c. Practically speaking, relations between China and the Soviet Union are not making progress. Among the three major obstacles, Soviet sincerity is still not in evidence regarding Cambodia and Afghanistan.

2. China’s Domestic Issues

a. China is in a state of stability and unity. None of the rumored worries exist.

b. This year’s economic rate of growth may come close to 8 percent or not, but it will likely be better next year.

c. As for an issue in the coming year, we are making every effort to convene a magnificent 13^th Party Congress.

(Prime Minister Nakasone’s Statement)

1. Japan’s Basic Policy

(He started with an explanation of the Japan-US security system as the axis of Japan’s foreign policy.) Japan will not adopt militarism but will be unswerving in its basic policy of firmly maintaining a sound democracy. The strengthening of relations of peace and friendship with the neighboring countries of Asia is extremely important.”

2. Relations with the Soviet Union

In anticipation of General Secretary Gorbachev’s visit to Japan, both the House of Representatives and the House of Councilors of the National Diet passed a resolution concerning the issue of the Northern Territories. We will not adopt an unprincipled separation of politics from economics.

3. SDI and US-Soviet Relations

(In relation to Japan’s participation in the SDI research program, Prime Minister Nakasone first explained that SDI is a defensive weapon for the abolition of nuclear weapons) I think that SDI was at the base of the US-Soviet summit talks held at Reykjavik. As for this issue, it is thought that negotiations over arms reductions will henceforth take place in earnest between the United States and the Soviet Union, and I would like to pay close attention to them.

4. Situation on the Korean Peninsula

a. Resolution of the situation by dialogue between North and South would be desirable. I was moved by the extremely great ovation the Chinese athletes received on entering the stadium at the recent Asian Games. They did really well, and I wish to express my congratulations to them. It is extremely important that China will participate in the Seoul Olympics. (General Secretary Hu responded in saying that he had heard that the Chinese athletes had received a warm welcome from the people of South Korea.)

b. The South Korean side has hopes for North-South Talks and, moreover, the Four-Party Talks among the United States, China, and North and South Korea.

5. Afghan, Cambodian Issues

Regarding Cambodia, Japan adopts a position of supporting a united government of the three factions. Japan is of the same opinion as China regarding both issues.

6. Other Issues

I believe that, henceforth, both countries are to enter into an era of new leaders. Moreover, it is gratifying that there are splendid new leaders in both countries. However, even after entry into an era of new leaders, in both countries there must be observed and continued the principle that the two of us (the Prime Minister and the General Secretary) have confirmed with one another. (In response, the General Secretary responded that he totally agreed. He stated that, even in an era of new leaders, the principle that we have confirmed would certainly be observed.)

Notes: General Secretary Hu nodded in listening to what the Prime Minister said concerning the Four-Party Talks, Seoul Olympics, SDI, and the US-Soviet summit. Concerning the Seoul Olympics, he gave the impression of nodding in approval.

Furthermore, there was no discussion concerning Fujio’s remarks, the textbook problem or the issue of visiting Yasukuni Shrine