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Group photo of the participants of the 6th Japan-China High-Level Economic Dialogue
Group photo of the participants of the 6th Japan-China High-Level Economic Dialogue
The 6th Japan-China High-Level Economic Dialogue during the meeting
The 6th Japan-China High-Level Economic Dialogue during the meeting
On March 22, the Sixth Japan-China High-Level Economic Dialogue was held in Tokyo, Japan from 3:15 p.m. for approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes (via simultaneous interpretation). The overview of the meeting is as follows. This dialogue was held for the first time in about six years since April 2019, and the Japanese side was chaired by Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan and the Chinese side was chaired by H.E. Mr. Wang Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China.
At the outset, Minister Iwaya, while referring to the importance of the economic relationship between Japan and China, stated that in promoting practical cooperation in the economic field, it is essential to gain the understanding of the citizens from both countries, and that securing the safety and security of Japanese expatriates and their families is a major premise to this end. In addition, Minister Iwaya also stated that it is of extreme importance for China to lift its import restrictions on Japanese agricultural and aquatic products, and that he seeks to make this dialogue an opportunity to reduce issues and concerns and to deepen cooperation and collaboration between Japan and China.
The two sides held discussions on topics such as their respective economic situations and its macroeconomic and fiscal policies. The Japanese side made an explanation on the current state of the Japanese economy, its current economic and fiscal management and its efforts towards realizing growth of the Japanese economy as well as the local economies.
The two sides had discussions on practical cooperation in the economic field under the "Mutually Beneficial Relationship Based on Common Strategic Interests." In the field of green economy, the two sides welcomed that the Japan-China Energy Conservation and Environment Forum was held in Tokyo last November, and concurred on holding the next forum in Beijing, China this year. In addition, the two sides confirmed to cooperate towards the next Japan-China High-Level Roundtable Dialogue on Environment, which will be held along with the 26th Tripartite Environment Ministers Meeting (TEMM), and also concurred on working on exchanges between young talent, which contributes to promoting understanding and strengthening of the relationship between Japan and China, as well as on technical cooperation between companies of both countries. Furthermore, the two sides confirmed to cooperate towards the success of the GREEN×EXPO 2027 which will be held in Yokohama, Japan in 2027.
The two sides confirmed the importance of continuing to strengthen cooperation in fields such as medical care, nursing care and healthcare and concurred on continuing the promotion of economic cooperation in the private-sector in third country markets. In addition, while taking opportunity of the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan the two sides reaffirmed their support for people-to-people, business and tourism exchanges. Furthermore, the two sides concurred on their cooperation towards the holding of the WorldSkills Competitions in China (Shanghai) in 2026 and in Japan (Aichi) in 2028.
With regards to the import restrictions on Japanese aquatic products by China, the two sides expressed their appreciation for the steady implementation of the “Shared Recognition between Japan and China” that was announced last September, and the Japanese side called for the resumption of imports of Japanese aquatic products in the near future. The two sides confirmed to continue to conduct the additional measures under the framework of the IAEA, and concurred on promoting relevant consultations towards the resumption of imports of Japaense aquatic products, on the premise that no abnormalities are seen in the results of the analysis. In addition, with regards to resuming and expanding the import of Japanese agricultural products, the Japanese side, while stating the importance of prioritizing the resolution of issues that can be resolved quickly, once again called for the resumption of Japanese beef imports and the expansion of imports of Japanese rice. Furthermore, the two sides encouraged tthe Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare of Japan and the General Administration of Customs of China to utilizine the framework of the “Japan-China Food Safety Promotion Initiative” and to continue dialogue between working-level officials.
With regards to improving the business environment, Minister Iwaya stated that the cases of Japanese nationals being detained and the lack of transparency regarding the “anti-espionage law” are factors that are restraining Japanese citizens from traveling to China and from conducting business activities in China, and once again called on China for the early release the detained Japanese citizens and to ensure the safety and security of Japanese citizens in China. Having said that, the Japanese side called for the establishment of a fair, predictable and transparent business environment. Further, Minister Iwaya conveyed Japan’s concerns including on China’s export restrictions on critical minerals, preferential treatment of domestic companies and domestic products in its government procurement, anti-dumping investigations against Japanese companies, restrictions on cross-border data transfers and the economic impact of its excessive competition and called for the revision of these measures and response by the Chinese side. The two sides confirmed the importance of continuing dialogue through the Japan-China Export Control Dialogue and concurred on holding the 2nd Japan-China Business Environment Facilitation Working Group in Japan this year. The two sides also confirmed the importance of strengthening cooperation on protecting intellectual property including through holding the Japan-China Joint IP Working Group. In addition, considerations will be made by the Chinese side on holding dialogue with the Japan Chamber Commerce and Industry in China and by the Japanese side to communicate with the China Enterprises Association (Japan).
The two sides also discussed regional and multilateral cooperation, and confirmed that they would work together to promote the “Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework,” and confirmed the importance of efforts related to climate change, efforts to conclude negotiations on a convention on plastic pollution and to make shared efforts on marine litter. The two sides also welcomed the mutual support between the two countries on China’s APEC Presidency in 2026 and on Japan’s candidacy for the APEC Presidency in 2031, and also confirmed the importance of WTO reform, cooperation in the G20 and cooperation with the ASEAN. Furthermore, the two sides welcomed that the Japan-China Shipping Policy Forum Meeting was held for the first time in six years in January this year and confirmed to strengthen cooperation in the maritime field.
The two sides concurred on holding the Seventh Japan-China High-Level Economic Dialogue in China at a mutually convenient and appropriate timing.
(Reference1) Main Participants
Japanese Side:
Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs (Japanese Side Chair)
Mr. SETO Takakazu, State Minister of Cabinet Office
Mr. OGUSHI Masaki, State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry
Mr. FURUKAWA Yasushi, State Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
Mr. TSUCHIA Shin, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Finance
Ms. YAMAMOTO Sachiko, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Mr. IGARASHI Kiyoshi, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of the Environment
Mr. IHARA Kazuto, Administrative Vice Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare
Chinese Side:
Mr. Wang Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs (Chinese Side Chair)
Mr. Sun Weidong, Vice Minister of the Foreign Affairs
Mr. Zhao Chenxin, Vice Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission
Mr. Liao Min, Vice Minister of Finance
Mr. Yu Huiwen, Vice Minister of Ecology and Environment
Mr. Yan Dong,Vice Minister of Commerce
Mr. Zhao Zenglian, Director General of General Administration of Customs
Mr. Xie Shaofeng, Chief Engineer of Industry and Information Technology
(Reference2) Japan-China High-Level Economic Dialogue (Past Meetings)
1st meeting: December 1, 2007 in Beijing, China (Chair: Foreign Minister Komura and Vice Premier Ceng Peiyan-)
2nd Meeting: June 7, 2009 in Tokyo, Japan (Chair: Foreign Minister Nakasone and Vice Premier Wang Qishan)
3rd Meeting: August 28, 2010 in Beijing, China (Chair: Foreign Minister Okada, Vice Premier Wang Qishan)
4th Meeting: April 16, 2018 in Tokyo, Japan (Chair: Foreign Minister Kono and State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi)
5th Meeting: April 14, 2019 in Beijing, China (Chair: Foreign Minister Kono and State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi)