Japan is an important neighbor of China. The China-Japan relationship is one of the mostimportant bilateral relationships for both sides.
The following is a brief introduction to the major issues in China-Japan relations overthe past 40 years:
1970s - Normalization of Sino-Japanese Relations
On October 2, 1971, China put forward "the Three Principles on the Restoration of Sino-Japanese Diplomatic Relations":
(1) The People's Republic of China is the sole legal government of China;
(2) Taiwan is an inalienable part of territory of the People's Republic of China;
(3) "Peace Treaty" between Japan and Chiang Kai-shek authorities is illegal and it must beabrogated.
On September 25, 1972, Japanese Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka visited China.
On February 5, 1973, China and Japan agreed to reestablish diplomatic relations. TheJapanese Embassy in China and Chinese Embassy in Japan were established in February.
On January 3, 1974, a three-year trade agreement - the first of several working agreementscovering trade, shipping, aviation, and fisheries - was signed.
On October 22, 1978, Chinese Vice-Premier Deng Xiaoping visited Japan. On October 23,China and Japan exchanged documents of ratification of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship.
On December 5, 1979, Japanese Prime Minister Masayoshi Ohira visited China and committedto providing the first batch of Japanese government loans to China.
1980s - Considerable progress made in Sino-Japanese relations
A "Golden Age" marked by the development of complementary interests flourishedfrom the 1980s to the mid-1990s. Sino-Japanese relations made considerableprogress in the 1980s.
On May 27, 1980, Premier Hua Guofeng visited Japan, which was the first visit ever by ChinesePremier. The two countries agreed that the Sino-Japanese government/Diet member meetingbe held within the year.
On July 8, 1980, Premier Hua Guofeng attended the funeral of Japanese Prime Minister Ohira.
On December 3, 1980, the first Sino-Japanese government/Diet member meeting was held inBeijing. By June, 1987, there had been five such meetings.
On May 31, 1982, Premier Zhao Ziyang put forward, during his visit to Japan, "The ThreePrinciples of the Sino-Japanese Relations", namely peace and friendship, equality andmutual benefit, and long-term stability.
On June 1982, the Japanese Education and Culture Ministry distorted the history of invadingChina through reviewing its textbooks. Thus the first textbook incident arose.
Japanese Prime Minister Zenko Suzuki said that the Sino-Japanese relations had entered into amature period when he visited China on September 26, 1982. In regard to the textbookincident, the Japanese government would be committed to solving it as soon as possible as inthe spirit of the Sino-Japanese Joint Statement.
On November 23, 1983, Hu Yaobang, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China,visited Japan. He confirmed with the Japanese Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone "the FourPrinciples of Sino-Japanese Relations", namely peace and friendship, equality and mutualbenefit, long-term stability and mutual trust. The two sides also decided to establish the "21stCentury Committee for Sino-Japan Friendship".
On March 23, 1984, the Japanese Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone visited China anddecided to provide the second batch of Japanese government loans to China. On September10, 1984, the first meeting of the "21st Century Committee for Sino-Japan Friendship" was heldin Tokyo. About 13 such meetings have been held till now.
On September 1984, 3,000 Japanese youth visited China at the invitation of Secretary GeneralHu Yaobang and China National Youth League.
On April 21, 1985, Peng Zhen, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the NPC of China,visited Japan, which was the first visit ever made by the Chairman of the Standing Committee ofthe NPC.
On August 25, 1988, Japanese Prime Minister Noboru Takeshita visited China and committedthe third batch of Japanese government loans to China.
On January 7, 1989, Emperor Hirohito of Japan passed away. On Feb 24, Foreign MinisterQian Qichen, as special envoy of President Yang Shangkun, attended the funeral.
On April 12, 1989, Chinese Premier Li Peng visited Japan. When talking about the unfortunatehistory between China and Japan, Emperor Akihito for the first time used the word "regret" toapologize to China.
On July 14, 1989, Japan joined in with other six West nations in imposing economic sanctionsby freezing the third Japanese government loans and suspending high-level visits.
On August 27, 1989, Yoshio Sakurauchi, President of the House of the Representatives visitedChina.
1990s - Bilateral structural change and warmer economic exchanges
Bilateral structural change developed during the late 1990s to 2004. Japan had beeninvesting in China during the early 1990s, and trade decreased during the late 1990s,but resurged at the millennium. The resurgence might have been because of theprospect of China becoming a part of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
On July 11, 1990, Japanese Prime Minister Toshiki Kaifu announced the resumption of itsgovernment loans to China at the Group 7 Summit.
On November 12, 1990, Vice-Premier Wu Xueqian participated the enthroning ceremony ofEmperor Akihito on behalf of Chinese government.
On August 10, 1991, Japanese Prime Minister Toshiki Kaifu visited China.
On April 6, 1992, Jiang Zemin, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China, visitedJapan and invited Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michito to visit China.
On May 25, 1992, Wan Li, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the NPC of China, visitedJapan.
On October 23, 1992, Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michito visited China, the firstever by Japanese Emperor. It filled in the gaps in the history of Sino-Japanese relations.
On November 19, 1993, President Jiang Zemin met with the Japanese Prime Minister MorihiroHosokawa during the APEC meeting in Seattle.
On February 23, 1994, Chinese Vice-Premier Zhu Rongji visited Japan.
On March 19, 1994, Japanese Prime Minister Morihiro Hosokawa visited China. The twogovernments signed the agreement of cooperation in environmental protection.
On April 29, 1994, Bunbei Hara, President of the House of Representatives, visited China.
On August 27, 1994, Takako Doi, President of the House of Councilors, visited China and wentto Tianjin Anti-Japanese War Martyr Museum, where he paid tribute to the Chinese labors wholost their lives in Japan during Anti-Japanese War time.
On September 12, 1994, regardless of China's strong opposition and solemn representations,Japanese government issued visa for Hsu Li-The, vice-president of Taiwan's "Executive Yuan"to visit Japan for the Opening Ceremony of the Asian Games, which caused the HiroshimaAsian Games Incident.
On October 28, 1994, Rong Yiren, Chinese Vice-president, visited Japan, the first by ChineseVice-president.
On December 22, 1994, the two governments concluded the agreement on the 4th batch ofJapanese governmental loans to China (only on the part of the first 3 years).
On April 10, 1995, Qiao Shi, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the NPC of China, visitedJapan.
On May 2, 1995, the Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama visited China. During hisstay, he, as the first incumbent Prime Minister, visited Lugouqiao Bridge and the Chinesepeople's Anti-Japanese War Museum.
On August 15, 1995, on behalf of the Japanese government, Prime Minister TomiichiMurayama made a speech on the history issue at the 50th anniversary of World War II, statingclearly that Japan recognized and would face directly the history of its invasion against othercountries. Japanese government expressed deep introspection and apology over it.
On August 29, 1995, Japanese government made protest against China's nuclear test andannounced to freeze its free aid to China.
On November 18, 1995, President Jiang Zemin met with the Japanese Prime Minister TomiichiMurayama during in the APEC meeting in Osaka.
Ever since July 1996, members of the right-wing groups landed on the Diaoyu Island for 4times, which created Diaoyu Island Incident.
On July 29, 1996, Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto visited the Yasukuni Shrine.
On November 24, 1996, President Jiang Zemin met with Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimotoduring the APEC meeting in Manila.
On September 4, 1997, Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto visited China. During his stay, as thefirst incumbent Prime Minister, he visited northeast area in China and "the September 18thIncident Museum ".
On November 11, 1997, Chinese Premier Li Peng visited Japan and put forward "the FivePrinciples of Sino-Japanese Relations", namely mutual respect and non-interference ineach other's internal affairs, seeking commons while setting aside difference, handling disputesproperly, increasing dialogue and understanding, mutual benefit, deepening economiccooperation, and being forward-looking and carrying on friendship from generation togeneration." On the same day, Chinese and Japanese governments signed a fisheryagreement.
On April 21, 1998, Chinese Vice-President Hu Jintao visited Japan, during which he pointed outthat the two countries should draw lessons from history and look to the future in thedevelopment of Sino-Japanese relations.
On November 25, 1998， Chinese President Jiang Zemin made an official visit to Japan, whichmarked the first visit to Japan by Chinese head of government. The two sides issued the Sino-Japanese Joint Declaration (中日联合宣言), declaring the establishment of a partnership offriendship and cooperation for peace and development".
On July 8, 1999, Japanese Prime Minister Obuchi made an official visit to China.
On December 8, 1999, Member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of theCommunist Part and Chairman of CPPCC Li Ruihuan paid an official goodwill visit to Japan.
Early 2000s - Cooling down
By 2001 China's international trade was the sixth-largest in the world. Over the nextseveral years it was expected to be just under Japan, the fourth largest.
On May 10, 2000, Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan paid an official visit to Japan.
On May 20, 2000, President Jiang Zemin met with over 5000 Japan- China Cultural and TouristExchange Mission made up of various circles of Japan, and delivered an important speech onthe development of non-governmental friendly relations between the two countries.
On June 7, 2000, Vice-Premier Qian Qichen attended Late Japanese Prime Minister KeizoObuchi's funeral held by the Japanese government as special envoy of the Chinesegovernment.
On August 28, 2000, Japanese Foreign Minister Yohei Kono paid an official visit to China atinvitation.
On October 12, 2000, Premier Zhu Rongji visited Japan officially.
On October 8, Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi paid a working visit to China.
On November 21, 2001, President Jiang Zemin met with Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi whowas attending APEC meeting held at Shanghai.
2005-2010 - Revival of Sino-Japanese relations
In April 2005, Chinese President Hu Jintao held talks with Japanese Prime Minister JunichiroKoizumi at the conclusion of the Asia-Africa leaders summit in Jakarta, a day after Koizumiapologized for Japan's wartime atrocities in Asia.
The two leaders agreed to develop bilateral ties based on the Sino-Japanese Joint Statement,the Peace and Friendship Treaty and the Sino-Japanese Joint Declaration.
However, following Koizumi's repeated visit to the Yasukuni Shrine where 14 Class A warcriminals are honored, relations between the two countries became frosty, with high-level visitsbetween the two sides suspended and exchanges in various areas severely affected.
In October 2006, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe paid an "ice-breaking" visit to China.During his stay in China, the two countries agreed to foster mutually beneficial relations basedon common strategic interests in a bid to realize "peaceful coexistence, friendship forgenerations, mutually beneficial cooperation and common development."
They also agreed to adhere to the principles prescribed in the three political documents andproperly handle the problems that hamper the development of bilateral ties.
In April 2007, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao paid a visit to Japan. The tour, which re-openedtop-level visit exchanges between China and Japan, was widely acclaimed as "ice-thawing."
In December 2007, Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda visited China in return. The visit,dubbed as "spring-herald," further clarified the basic principles and essence of their mutuallybeneficial relations based on common strategic interests.
From May 6 to 10, 2008, Chinese President Hu Jintao paid a state visit to Japan at theinvitation of the Japanese Government. During the visit, President Hu met with Emperor Akihitoand held talks with Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda.
On August 8, 2008, Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda and his wife Kiyoko attended theSummer Olympics in Beijing and met with Chinese President Hu Jintao.
On April 29, 2009, Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso paid his first official visit to China sincehe took office and held official talks with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on bilateral ties, theglobal economic downturn and other major issues of common concern.
2010-now - Deterioration of Sino-Japanese relations
2010 World's second-largest economy
In 2010, China overtook Japan as the world's second-largest economy. China's economysurpassed Japan's at the end of 2010 because of the huge difference in each country's growthrates. China is growing at about 10 percent a year, while Japan's economy is forecast to growbetween 2 to 3 percent this year.
April 16, 2012: Tokyo Governor Shintaro Ishihara said that the metropolitan government plansto buy theDiaoyuIslandsin theEast China Sea.
April 17, 2012: Chinareiterated that theDiaoyuIslandsand other affiliated isles have been aninherent part of Chinese territory since ancient times, andChinaholds indisputable sovereigntyover them.
April 27, 2012: Ishihara announced that the metropolitan government had set up an account forpeople to send money to help it purchase theDiaoyuIslandsin theEast China Sea, the JapanTimes reported.
May 2, 2012: China's fishery administration authorities confirmed that two of its vessels havesailed into waters near theDiaoyuIslandsin theEast China Sea.
May 8, 2012: The Tokyo metropolitan government went further in its plan to purchase three oftheDiaoyuIslands, announcing that total donations had reached over 200 million yen ($2.5million) by May 7.
July 7, 2012: On the 75th anniversary of the July 7 Incident, Japanese Prime Minister YoshihikoNoda said his government was negotiating with a "private owner" to "nationalize" part oftheDiaoyuIslands.
"China's holy territory is not 'up for sale' to anyone," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman LiuWeimin said in response to remarks Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda made onSaturday.
Aug 15, 2012: Seven activists from Hong Konglanded on theDiaoyuIslandsat around 5:30 pmlocal time on Wednesday, according to Japan Coast Guard (JCG).
Japan in total arrested 14 Chinese activistson Wednesday including seven who landed on theDiaoyu Islands at around 5:30 pm local time on suspicion of illegal entry, and would later detainthe vessel, according to police from Japan's Okinawa.
Aug 16, 2012: China on Thursday once again urgedJapanto "immediately and unconditionally"release Chinese nationals illegally detained by the latter over theDiaoyuIslandsissue.
Aug 23, 2012: When the fishing boat Kai Fung No 2 drew alongside the public pier atHongKong's Tsim Sha Tsui on Wednesday, a crowd of supporters erupted in cheers. On board wereseven activists from the group of 14 Chinese who sailed to theDiaoyuIslandsto assertChina'ssovereignty.
Sept 9, 2012: Chinese President Hu Jintao met with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Nodaand made clearChina's position on its relations withJapanand theDiaoyuIslandsissue.
Sept 10, 2012: Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said the Diaoyu Islands are an inalienable part ofChina's territory and China will "absolutely make no concession" on issues concerning itssovereignty and territorial integrity.
Sept 10, 2012: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic ofChinaissued a statement,saying that Japanese government intention to "purchase"DiaoyuIslandsconstitutes a grossviolation ofChina's sovereignty over its own territory and is highly offensive to the 1.3 billionChinese people.
Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi urgently summoned Japanese Ambassador to ChinaUichiro Niwa for a meeting to lodge solemn representations and strong protest against theJapanese government's illegal "buying" of theDiaoyuIslands.
Sept 11, 2012: Following the Japanese government's announcement on the so-called"nationalization" of the Diaoyu Islands,China's civil patrol ships Tuesday reached the watersaround the islands to start patrolling and showing China's sovereignty over these islands.
Sept 11, 2012: The Japanese government has exchanged the official contract on the purchaseofDiaoyuIslandswith Kurihara family whom the Japanese side called "the private owner".
Japanese cabinet appointed Shinichi Nishimiya as the new ambassador toChina, replacingUichiro Niwa.
Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda orderedJapan's Self Defense Forces (JSDF) to befully prepared for any emergency under the complex peripheral security environment at theMinistry of Defense.
Sept 14, 2012: China sent its maritime surveilance ships to waters aroundDiaoyu Islands.
Sept 15, 2012: The State Oceanic Administration (SOA) on Saturday released a string ofgeographic coordinates of the Diaoyu Island and some of its affiliated islets, in a new move toaffirmChina's sovereignty.
Sept 16, 2012: Beijing announced it will submit a partial submission concerning the outer limitsof the continental shelf to the United Nations in its latest move to defend itsmaritimesovereignty.
Newly-appointed Japanese Ambassador to China Shinichi Nishimiya died Sunday morning in ahospital in Tokyo.
2013 Japanese Defense White Paper
Japan highlighted China as a major "security threat" in its latest defense white paper releasedon July 9, 2013, using harsher language than in previous papers. The report says that whenaddressing disputes with other countries, China attempts to change the status quo by forcebased on its own assertions. Some of China's activities are dangerous and could cause acontingency, the report says, noting "China should accept and stick to international norms."
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