Xi Jinping Says Japan's Ruling Leader Must Value Effort of Senior Politicians

Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed condolences over the death of former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, who passed away on October 22, while delivering a message urging Japan's ruling leader to safeguard the political foundation of bilateral relations.

According to Xinhua News Agency on October 27, President Xi sent a condolence message to the bereaved family of the former prime minister that day.

Xi stated, "Mr. Fukuda was a Japanese politician of integrity and responsibility, and a long-time friend of the Chinese people," adding, "For a long time, he dedicated himself to China-Japan friendship, upheld a correct view of history, and during his term in office, concluded the fourth China-Japan political document with China, clarifying important principles for the development of bilateral relations."

Xi continued, "China will deeply cherish the contributions made by Mr. Fukuda to China-Japan relations and Asian development," expressing hope that "the bereaved family will carry on Mr. Fukuda's legacy and continue to dedicate themselves to the cause of China-Japan friendship."

He further added, "It is hoped that Japan's ruling leader will cherish the hard work and efforts poured in by senior politicians, strictly observe the four China-Japan political documents, and practically safeguard the political foundation of bilateral relations."

The "four political documents" referred to by Xi are the 1972 Japan-China Joint Statement issued upon the establishment of diplomatic ties, the 1978 Japan-China Treaty of Peace and Friendship signed by the foreign ministers of both countries, the 1998 Joint Declaration on Building a Partnership of Friendship and Cooperation for Peace and Development, and the 2008 Joint Statement on Comprehensively Promoting Strategic and Mutually Beneficial Relations signed by the leaders of both nations.

These documents contain principles such as the "One China" principle, mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and opposition to hegemony.

Former Prime Minister Fukuda was considered a dove within the Liberal Democratic Party who emphasized the importance of diplomacy toward Asia.

Right after taking office, when asked by reporters about visits to the Yasukuni Shrine, he responded, "Is there any need to do things that the other party dislikes?" and was evaluated for facing history directly without compromising with right-wing views inside Japan.

Thanks to this, he maintained smooth relations with South Korea and China during his term in office (2007–2008).

After stepping down, in 2014, when tensions rose over the Senkaku Islands (known as Diaoyu Islands in China), he made a secret visit to China to meet with President Xi Jinping, laying the groundwork for a summit between then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and President Xi.

Interpretations suggest that President Xi's emphasis on the "efforts of senior Japanese politicians" in his condolence message was aimed at current Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

China-Japan relations have remained strained for a year since Prime Minister Takaichi hinted at "intervention in a contingency involving Taiwan" immediately after taking office in November of last year.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.