Record of the First Meeting between Prime Minister Tanaka and Premier Zhou Enlai

Top Secret Indefinite

Prime Minister Tanaka [Kakuei]-Premier Zhou Enlai

(1972 September 25th ~ 28th)

- Japan-China Diplomatic Normalization Negotiations Record -

Asia Bureau, China Section

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In Attendance

Japan

Prime Minister Tanaka

Minister of Foreign Affairs Ohira [Masayoshi]

Chief Cabinet Secretary Nikaido [Susumu]

China Section Chief Hashimoto [Hiroshi]

China

Premier Zhou Enlai

Minister of Foreign Affairs Ji Pengei

Adviser, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Liao Chengzhi

Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Han Nianlong

(Note: The following record was typed in September 1988 from the original normalization negotiation records)

First Summit Meeting (September 25th)

Prime Minister Tanaka: The time for Japan-China diplomatic normalization is ripe. I truly hope for this current visit to be successful, and that we will realize diplomatic normalization.

The reason for delay in diplomatic normalization is due to our relationship with Taiwan.

Although relations (Japan-Taiwan relations) will automatically be expunged due to normalization between Japan and China, we will still need to cope with the reality of some other problems. If we do not handle this correctly, there will be some disruptions domestically. When we realize normalization between Japan and China, we must give due consideration to the effect on Taiwan.

We want to begin the normalization process, first, with a joint statement. We want to seek the approval of the Diet later.

Foreign Minister Ohira: I want to accomplish the process of diplomatic normalization, and have that be the first step in a long friendship.

I also hope for normalization to contribute to the stability of our nation’s domestic politics. There are two problems in this regard.

First, we understand that China views the Sino-Japanese Peace Treaty as illegal and invalid. However, this treaty has been ratified by the Japanese Government through a Diet resolution. If the Japanese Government were to agree with the Chinese Government, the Government would be tarred for having deceived the Japanese people and Diet over twenty years. Therefore, we seek from China the understanding that upon diplomatic normalization between Japan and China, the Sino-Japanese Peace Treaty will end its function.

The second point is with regard to third-party countries. In particular, the Japan-US relationship is crucial to the existence of Japan. Additionally, the United States has many relations across the world. We believe that we must take caution as to not negatively influence the United States relations through Japan’s policies. That is to say, we want to realize diplomatic normalization between Japan and China without harming our relations with the United States.

With regard to Japan-Taiwan relations following normalization between Japan and China, we want to realistically hammer out what will be done and what will not be done once diplomatic relations between Japan and Taiwan have been terminated.

Premier Zhou: As Prime Minister Tanaka has said, I want to accomplish diplomatic normalization in one stroke. On the foundation of diplomatic normalization, Japan and China ought to have peaceful and friendly relations that will last for generations upon generations. Not only is diplomatic normalization between Japan and China beneficial for the peoples of both nations, it will also contribute to relaxing tensions in Asia and to peace in the world at large. At the same time, improvements in Japan-China relations cannot be exclusive.

Both Prime Minister Tanaka and Minister Ohira have said that they clearly understand the “Three Principles” that we have submitted. This is a very friendly attitude indeed.

I agree with the suggestion that we produce a joint declaration following the current Japan-China summit meeting, and then determine the shape of the treaty. I would like to conclude a treaty of peace and friendship after diplomatic relations are established. I want to include in the treaty items based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, including long-term peace and friendship, mutual non-aggression, and mutual loyalty.

I want for the conduct of friendship between Japan and China to not be exclusive.

I understand that the issue of cessation to hostilities is problematic for Japan, however, we cannot wholly agree with Mr. Ohira’s proposal. If it is to be understood that a state of war had ceased to exist after the Treaty of San Francisco, that would mean that China was not included, despite being a party to the issue.

I want to entrust this issue to the two foreign ministers and have them find a solution that both sides can agree.

I want for the solution to reflect the spirit of the “Three Principles,” but I want to entrust this to the two foreign ministers, as well.

Japan and China should meet on the important issues and eschew the small issues. I want to include the important commonalities in our communiqué.

We will not touch on Japan-US relations. This is an issue for Japan. The circumstances on the Taiwan Straits are changing, and so too the effect of the treaties (Japan-US Security Treaty; Mutual Defense Treaty between the United States of America and the Republic of China) are changing.

Japan, the US, and China shares a common interest in not permitting Soviet intervention in the Taiwan issue. As for China, we want to proceed today without touching on the Japan-US Security Treaty or the Mutual Defense Treaty between the United States of America and the Republic of China. We entrust all issues concerning Japan-US relations to you. China does not intervene in others’ domestic issues.

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