Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun noted that the leaders of both countries signed, 54 years ago, the China-Japan Joint Communique to pave the way for normalizing diplomatic relations.

Guo noted that Japan expressed in that document its deep reflection on the responsibility for the war, recognized the Government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate Government of China, and stated its understanding and respect for China’s stance on Taiwan.

The spokesperson underscored that the Joint Communique and the other three political documents established the political and legal foundation for the bilateral relations and set out principles for addressing fundamental issues such as history and Taiwan.

The official affirmed that bilateral relations are currently facing a serious situation due to that political foundation.

Guo said Japan must also adopt the right attitude on historical issues and develop an objective and rational perception of China.

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