Published : 2024-09-29

On September 29, 1972, diplomatic relations between China and Japan were normalised.

From September 25 to 30 of that year, Japan's Prime Minister, Tanaka Kakuei (田中角榮), was invited to visit China.

He met with several Chinese leaders, including Chairman Mao Zedong (毛澤東), Premier Zhou Enlai (周恩來), and Foreign Minister Ji Pengfei (姬鵬飛). Subsequently, a joint statement was issued by both China and Japan.

The statement pointed out that, despite different social systems, China and Japan "should and can" establish peaceful and friendly relations. The normalisation of diplomatic relations and the development of friendly and neighbourly relations are not only in the interest of the peoples of both countries, but also contribute to easing tensions in Asia and maintaining world peace.

The first item of the statement declared that as of the date of the statement, the abnormal state of affairs between the People's Republic of China and Japan was officially ended.

The fourth item also stated that the governments of the People's Republic of China and Japan decided to establish diplomatic relations from September 29, 1972 onwards.