way to deal with this question is not to isolate China but to engage China
in a friendly, frank, and constructive dialogue, through which we
convey our views and concerns and encourage them to make moves in
the right direction. The isolation of China is not conducive to the peace
and stability of the world, especially of Asia. The maintenance of stable
relations between Japan and China is essential to the peace, stability and
prosperity of Asia,including East Asia. One good
good example of
encouragement of the international community being successful to China
is the decision of China to adhere to the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty.
This decision was conveyed to the Japanese side during the meeting
between the prime ministers of the two countries at the time of Prime
Minister Kaifu's visit to China of the last year.
Japan has also consistently supported the reform and openness
policy of China which started in late 1970'. To the efforts of China to
develop and modernize its economy, Japan has extended yen loans,
grants and other forms of official development assistance(ODA). ODA
extended by the Japanese Government to China represents about one
third of the total ODA received by China from abroad. To China, Japan is
the largest donor, while to Japan, China is one of largest ODA receiving
countries. I believe that economic development will lead to the raising of
the people's livelihood and the political stability which, in turn, will
further develop the economy. In this cycle, the society will achieve
advances in politics and the society will become more open. I believe
also that the economic development of China is in the interest of Hong
Kong.
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