Relations between China and Japan in the field of economic cooperation have been improving steadily in recent years, yet there are still gaps in the mutual understanding between the two countries and their citizens, and rebuilding trust remains a pressing problem. As a result, little progress has been seen in bilateral cooperation in the realms of politics, diplomacy and security, or in constructing a relationship conducive to realization of global peace and prosperity, a goal eagerly sought after by international society. Based on the above understanding of the current situation regarding Japan-China relations, the Sasakawa Japan-China Friendship Fund has established the following guidelines, which are employed when conducting projects to further understanding between the citizens of China and Japan and when attempting to create an environment conducive to construction of a novel cooperative relationship between the two countries.
The Sasakawa Japan-China Friendship Fund uses its extensive experience in the field to promote personnel exchange and dialogue between the citizens of Japan and China in the hope of deepening mutual understanding. In its personnel exchange programs, the Fund selects individuals with the potential to make a large contribution to Japan-China relations in future years. In response to the ever-changing circumstances surrounding China and Japan, personnel active in fields that are highly relevant to the current climate are exchanged between the two countries. When attempting to promote dialogue, the Fund leverages its position in the private sector to the greatest possible effect. Through activities such as these, the Fund endeavors to contribute to policy making as well as formation of networks between the leaders of the future.
In Japan, and in China, there is a lack of objective information about the other country. This prevents mutual understanding between Chinese and Japanese citizens, and is a problem that urgently needs to be addressed. Media representatives working in the press, publishing, popular culture and other fields have a massive influence on the image and public opinion regarding the counterpart country, as do leading researchers and educators. Cooperating with specialists from these fields, the Sasakawa Japan-China Friendship Fund works to create an environment conducive to the exchange of objective information, and attempts to publish as much information as possible through various channels.
China and Japan are faced with many of the same challenges - the environment, disaster prevention, population aging, taxation and social security, to name but a few. By working together closely to overcome these challenges, the two countries can gain valuable opportunities to build a more trusting and positive relationship. The Fund tries to promote cooperation in social and economic areas by arranging the transfer of know-how and experience from Japan to China, an approach that has proved highly successful in the past. This type of support allows the two countries to pool their resources and work together to achieve solutions to common problems. As Japan and China strive to resolve shared problems, the Fund aims to realize a system of mutual support that allows the two countries to cooperate when dealing with natural disasters and other unexpected incidents while at the same time building a strong and trusting relationship.