Passing Japan-China friendship on to the future

April 24 , 2019

Yamaguchi and Ambassador Cheng Yonghua firmly clasp hands at the Komeito headquarters on Apr. 23Yamaguchi and Ambassador Cheng Yonghua (right) firmly clasp hands at the Komeito headquarters on Apr. 23

On April 23, Komeito Chief Representative Natsuo Yamaguchi welcomed His Excellency Cheng Yonghua, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Japan, at the Komeito headquarters in Tokyo. Ambassador Cheng will be returning to Beijing for reassignment next month after serving as China’s principal emissary to this country since 2010.

Ambassador Cheng noted that over the past several years, bilateral relations have been improving, while exchanges across various realms are on the upswing—the result, he said, was due to an array of channels, including discussions between the ruling parties of the two countries. He added that the Osaka G20 Summit to be held in June should serve as a new stage to further China-Japan ties even further forward and that going forward, it was important for areas of contention to be resolved through dialogue as Tokyo and Beijing remain steadfast in their commitment to bettering friendship and cooperation.

Yamaguchi agreed, stating that the wisest course of action for Japan and China was to stay focused on the long-term perspective. He also underscored Komeito’s commitment to amicable bilateral relations over the years, whether the party was a partner in Japan’s coalition government or served as a member of the political opposition.

Ambassador Cheng recognized Komeito’s contribution to the establishment and growth of China-Japan relations, describing the Japanese political party as a trustworthy friend, even through dark and difficult times, that has continued to engage in and facilitate bilateral exchange ever since Daisaku Ikeda, then president of the Soka Gakkai lay Buddhist organization and Komeito founder, publicly called for the Japanese and Chinese governments to normalize diplomatic ties in 1968. The outgoing Chinese envoy stated that he was happy to fulfill his ambassadorial mission at a time when bilateral exchange was increasing.

Yamaguchi expressed gratitude to Ambassador Cheng for his contribution to Japan-China friendship. The party chief said Komeito had implemented the groundwork for the younger generations to foster friendships into the future, and that the party would remain committed to this path in a way that only Komeito can achieve. To this, Ambassador Cheng stated that Komeito’s role was vital and that Japan-China friendship has become a mainstay of Komeito.

Several challenges common to Japan and China were brought up in the meeting. Yamaguchi pushed for international cooperation to address such cross-border issues as a tapering birthrate and aging population, while Ambassador Cheng said the path forward was to engage in mutual deliberations and develop solutions by aligning the issues with the progress and prosperity of the world.

Ambassador Cheng was among the first exchange students that the Chinese government formally dispatched to Japan after bilateral diplomatic ties were restored in 1972. After studying at Soka University, which Mr. Ikeda also founded, the Chinese foreign officer was assigned to Japan as ambassador to Japan in February 2010.