The Chinese side’s willingness to accept the Japanese delegation is believed to reflect respect for the association’s head, Kono, a former chief cabinet secretary who is known for issuing the 1993 landmark statement expressing “sincere apologies and remorse” over the issue of so-called comfort women, or Koreans and others who served as prostitutes for Japanese troops before and during World War II.
The Japanese delegation is expected to inspect the China International Supply Chain Expo, which will be held in Beijing from June 22 to 26, and meet with senior Chinese officials. Last year, the association’s delegation met with Premier Li Qiang, the second-ranking official in the Chinese Communist Party.
This year’s delegation is expected to be smaller than last year’s.
[Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
