Chapter 32 "We must look forward positively" - Deng Xiaoping and the Emperor of Japan (5)

Chinese people never forget old friends.Deng Xiaoping paid non-stop visits to friendly people who had contributed to the cause of Sino-Japanese friendship, and said over and over again: "When drinking water, never forget the person who dug the well." Japanese Prime Minister Takeo Fukuda said directly to Foreign Minister Sonoda: "Today is old Deng playing the leading role." Deng Xiaoping humorously said that he came to Japan to "seek the elixir of life".After visiting Nissan Motor Company, he said with emotion: "I understand what modernization is." On the Shinkansen with a speed of up to 210 kilometers per hour, Deng Xiaoping said with emotion: "It's very fast, as fast as the wind. There is a feeling of being driven from behind. The whipping, the feeling of being chased, we need to run right now!"

Where will China go after the "Cultural Revolution"?How big is the gap between China and the world?What is the modernization that the Chinese are pursuing?How did China achieve its own modernization? With these questions in mind, the 74-year-old Deng Xiaoping frequently traveled abroad in 1978, the unusual year of the horse in the Chinese lunar calendar, and began to conduct frequent diplomatic activities with China's neighboring countries with extraordinary energy.In China, the year of the horse has the implication of galloping and leaping forward. The spirit of the dragon and the horse and the success of the horse are some kind of spiritual symbols of Chinese humanities.Deng Xiaoping, who had just returned from the political turmoil for the third time only half a year ago, wanted to let the closed China go to Asia and the world, and at the same time let Asia and the world go to China.Burma, Nepal, North Korea, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, in this series of foreign visits, Deng Xiaoping probably valued Japan the most.How Japan rose rapidly from the ruins after the war is the real purpose of Deng Xiaoping's visit to Japan.Perhaps it was at this time that Deng Xiaoping began to plan and conceive of China's future development prospects, and formed a clear idea later - open the country, reform and open up, boldly absorb and learn from all the outstanding achievements of human civilization, absorb And learn from all the advanced management methods and management methods that adapt to the scale of modern socialized production from all countries in the world today, including capitalist developed countries, so that the poor and backward China will become prosperous, strong, civilized, and socialist modernization.

Deng Xiaoping came to Japan, a neighboring country separated by a strip of water, and shook hands with the Japanese emperor. When Deng Xiaoping generously said, "Let the past go, and we must look forward positively." What he won was not only the present, but also the future. On the morning of October 24, 1978, the second day after meeting with the Emperor, Deng Xiaoping first made a special trip to visit two old friends of the Chinese people, former Japanese Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka and current Liberal Democratic Party chief Masayoshi Hira. After Tanaka Kakuei became the Prime Minister of Japan in July 1972, together with the then Foreign Minister Masahiro Ohira, he made great contributions to actively promoting the normalization of diplomatic relations between China and Japan, and was also highly appreciated by Chinese leaders such as Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai.The beginning of this article has been described in detail. In 1974, Kakuei Tanaka was forced to resign after being accused of accepting huge commissions from Lockheed Aircraft Manufacturing Company of the United States.

At 9:17 in the morning, Deng Xiaoping, accompanied by Liao Chengzhi, Huang Hua, Han Nianlong and Fu Hao, arrived by car at Tanaka's private residence in Meshirodai, Tokyo, to visit Tanaka Kakuei.According to reports at the time, Tanaka kept going in and out of the gate after getting up early in the morning, restless, for fear that he would miss the opportunity to meet Deng Xiaoping at the gate.And more than 40 members of the Tanaka faction in the Japanese National Assembly also rushed to Tanaka's home early in the morning, waiting for Deng Xiaoping's arrival.The streets and alleys around Tanaka's private residence are even more heavily guarded. It is said that the Japanese Metropolitan Police Department dispatched about 8,000 policemen for this.

When Deng Xiaoping and his party arrived, they were greeted by a line of 40 congressmen. Deng Xiaoping said to Tanaka: "Our visit to Japan this time is to exchange letters of ratification of the treaty on the one hand, and to express our gratitude to old friends who have worked hard for the cause of friendship between the two countries on the other hand. We are always grateful I remember Mr. Tanaka signing the Sino-Japanese Joint Statement when he took office as prime minister." "Your visit this time is a new starting point for Japan-China relations, so it is welcomed by all Japanese people. I have waited for 6 years, and this day has finally come." Kakuei Tanaka said emotionally, "I feel very happy when I see you. Same as meeting with the late Premier Zhou Enlai."

The mention of Kakuei Tanaka's visit brought back Deng Xiaoping's memories of the past.Deng Xiaoping said with some regret: "At that time, I was far away from Beijing, so I couldn't see you." During the talks, Deng Xiaoping also said affectionately: "We will never forget our old friends in the past. This is a unique feeling of the Orientals. Today we are reminiscing with old friends." Deng Xiaoping also warmly invited Tanaka and former Chief Cabinet Secretary Nikaido Susumu to visit China again.At the end of the meeting, Deng Xiaoping presented Tanaka with a set of Chinese tea sets and the Four Treasures of the Study.On the back of this inkstone, there is engraved the famous poem "Song of the Great River, Stop Turning Toudong", written by Premier Zhou Enlai when he was young and studying in Japan.Tanaka presented Deng Xiaoping and his wives with the book "The Beauty of Tradition" introducing the art of Japanese flower arrangement.

Later, Tanaka accompanied Deng Xiaoping and his party to take a group photo on the lawn in the courtyard of Tanaka's home. Deng Xiaoping's visit made Tanaka very excited. Afterwards, he told reporters: "Deng Xiaoping has a sense of humor." He also said, "It would be great if the Japanese also had a sense of humor." After bidding farewell to Kakuei Tanaka, Deng Xiaoping came to the Okura Hotel at 10:45 to visit Masahyo Ohira. It was in 1972 that Daping Masahiro's name became familiar to Chinese people.At that time, he served as Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Tanaka Cabinet and accompanied Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka to visit China, realizing the normalization of diplomatic relations between China and Japan.In the 1960s, he served as Chief Cabinet Secretary and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan's Ikeda Cabinet. In January 1974, on behalf of the Japanese government, Masahiro Ohira reached an agreement with the Chinese government on the conclusion of the "Sino-Japanese Aviation Agreement" and signed the "Sino-Japanese Trade Agreement". At the end of 1976, he served as the secretary-general of the Liberal Democratic Party and actively promoted the development of Sino-Japanese friendly relations.During the Fukuda cabinet period, he spared no effort for the signing of the Sino-Japanese Treaty of Peace and Friendship.

As soon as we met, Deng Xiaoping said: "I met yesterday, and today I am here to pay a formal visit." "Your Excellency does not forget old friends, and came to visit specially, thank you very much." Masahiro Ohira said gratefully. Deng Xiaoping said: "I came here today to express my gratitude. Your Excellency and former Prime Minister Tanaka visited China together in 1972, realizing the normalization of Sino-Japanese diplomatic relations and opening up the way for the development of Sino-Japanese relations. Signed the "Sino-Japanese Treaty of Peace and Friendship", we I would like to thank Prime Minister Fukuda for his decision, as well as former Prime Minister Tanaka and Foreign Minister Masahiro Ohira.”

Ohira Masaoyo said: "China's economic construction has made great progress. I am sincerely pleased with the smooth progress of bilateral relations since the normalization of Japan-China relations. I hope that through the visit of the Vice Prime Minister to Japan, the relations between the two countries will further develop rapidly. .” This was the first official meeting between Deng Xiaoping and Masaoyo Ohira, and the cordial and friendly conversation was like reminiscing about old friends.During the talks, Masahiro Ohira expressed his gratitude to Chairman Mao Zedong and Premier Zhou Enlai for their contributions to Japan-China friendship.

"Japan has two ambassadors in Beijing. I think there is another ambassador besides Ambassador Sato, who is very courageous." Masaoyo Ohira said while pointing to Liao Chengzhi present, "Mr. Liao is an old friend. It’s like going on a business trip to Beijing.” He also said, “Mr. Liao is Chinese, but he speaks Japanese better than me.” Deng Xiaoping immediately pointed to Liao Chengzhi and said humorously: "He has been studying here since elementary school and went to middle school. He is a high-level intellectual in China, but a primary school student in Japan." Everyone laughed when they heard it.

"Today is to reminisce about the old days. This is the feeling of our Orientals. You are welcome to visit China at your convenience to see the situation in China." Deng Xiaoping sent an invitation to Masaoyo Ohira. "I also hope to have the opportunity to visit China as soon as possible." Masaoyo Ohira accepted the invitation with pleasure. Masaoyo Ohira also talked about Foreign Minister Huang Hua present here.He said: "I used to think that Foreign Minister Huang was a terrible foreign minister, but he is actually very kind. China has the courage to publicly announce its foreign policy at the United Nations, which is admirable." Deng Xiaoping said: "It's not convenient for you to talk about it, but we can talk about it. I talked about 'fallacies' during the special session of the UN General Assembly in 1974." Deng Xiaoping's words once again aroused the audience's laughter. A few months later, at 3 pm on January 28, 1979, when Deng Xiaoping flew over Japan on a Boeing 707 airliner for a visit to the United States, he thought of his old friend Masahiro Ohira.At that time, Masahiro Ohira had just been elected as the president of the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan and the Prime Minister of the Cabinet.Deng Xiaoping sent him a telegram: "One week later, when I return from the United States, I plan to stay in your country. I am very happy to be able to talk with your Excellency and other Japanese friends at that time." On February 7, when Deng Xiaoping and his party concluded the interview During the 8-day official visit of the United States, I flew to Haneda Airport in Tokyo by special plane, and held talks with Masahiro Ohira at the Japanese Prime Minister's residence as scheduled.Deng Xiaoping briefed Prime Minister Ohira on his visit to the United States, and exchanged views extensively on issues of common concern, such as the international situation, the Asia-Pacific region, and bilateral relations.On behalf of the Chinese government, Deng Xiaoping once again invited Prime Minister Masahiro Ohira to visit China at his convenience.On December 5 of this year, Prime Minister Masahiro Ohira and his wife were invited to visit China.Prime Minister Ohira was the first Japanese prime minister to set foot on Chinese soil after the normalization of diplomatic relations between China and Japan. On the morning of December 6, Deng Xiaoping met with Prime Minister Masahiro Ohira and his party. After the meeting, Deng Xiaoping was non-stop. On the morning of the 24th, he went to the reception room of the speaker of the Japanese National Assembly to pay a courtesy call to House Speaker Shigeru Yasui and Senate President Ken Yasui. As soon as they met, the two speakers welcomed Deng Xiaoping's visit and spoke highly of it. Paulimo said: "I welcome your Excellency and his party, and I deeply feel that the peaceful and friendly relationship between Japan and China is not just empty talk, but has practical content." Yasui Ken said: "The past Japan-China relations were not necessarily happy. However, Japan repented and rehabilitated after the end of World War II, and invested in new construction as a peaceful country. As a final summary, the Japan-China relationship was concluded. treaty." Deng Xiaoping thanked the two speakers for their speeches, and said humorously: "You are all old friends, and you are old acquaintances. Today's good weather symbolizes the future between the two countries." Afterwards, Deng Xiaoping met with the leaders of six opposition parties in the Japanese Diet including the Japanese Socialist Party, the Komeito Party, the Democratic Socialist Party, the New Freedom Club, the Social Democratic League and the Communist Party. Deng Xiaoping said cordially to Kono Yohei, the representative of the New Freedom Club: "Do you still remember what we said when we met in Beijing? For the sake of Sino-Japanese friendship, the stability of the Pacific Ocean is needed, so I firmly remember your name—— —Yanghei." He also said: "Please never change your name." Deng Xiaoping's humor made Yohei Kono somewhat incomprehensible at first. Deng Xiaoping then explained: "The Pacific 'Yang' and 'Ping' are my greatest hopes." Only then did Kono Yohei suddenly realize and was very moved.The Chinese leader, who is busy with his busy schedule, still remembers what he said during his visit to China last fall so clearly that Yohei Kono couldn't help but look respectfully at Deng Xiaoping.Afterwards he told reporters: "Deng Xiaoping is still good at controlling people's hearts." In a short 15-minute talk, Deng Xiaoping quoted the legend of Xu Fu from China who went to Japan to seek the elixir of immortality, and easily changed the subject, saying: "I heard that Japan has elixir of life. The purpose of this visit is to One is to exchange letters of approval, the other is to express gratitude to our old friends in Japan for their efforts, and the third is to find the elixir of life." As soon as Deng Xiaoping finished speaking, enthusiastic laughter broke out in the speaker's room. Deng Xiaoping then added: "Japan has long been known as the Penglai country, and I heard that there is an elixir of life. This visit to Japan is also to get it. Maybe there is no elixir of life, but I want to bring Japan's advanced experience in developing science and technology as a gift. go back." Deng Xiaoping's humor suddenly filled the atmosphere of the sincere talk with a "medicine" flavor. Chairman Takeiri of the Komeito Party said: "Isn't the best medicine the Japan-China Treaty?" Chairman Sasaki of the Democratic Socialist Party said: "Japan is in the midst of drug pollution, and recently it has a good evaluation of Chinese herbal medicine in China." Deng Xiaoping took up the conversation and said: "Due to the development of mountainous areas, it is not easy to get herbal medicine. Therefore, artificial cultivation is being carried out recently." After the talk, Polymao and Yasui held a grand outdoor reception in the House of Representatives to entertain Deng Xiaoping and his party. More than 300 members of the Japanese Diet extended warm welcome to Deng Xiaoping's visit with long and warm applause. On behalf of the House of Representatives and the House of Representatives, Chairman Polymall delivered a welcome speech and said: "His Excellency Deng Xiaoping's visit is the first step in opening the curtain of a new era between the two countries." In his toast, Deng Xiaoping conveyed the sincere greetings and best wishes of the Chinese people to the Japanese people on behalf of Chairman Ye Jianying, and expressed his gratitude to those who have contributed to the friendship between China and Japan. He also emphasized: "The Treaty of Peace and Friendship between China and Japan It has been concluded, but our task is not over. We still have a lot to do, and there is a long way to go. All of you here are Japanese politicians, and you shoulder the great trust of the Japanese people. We are willing to work with you and make persistent efforts to contribute to the " On the basis of the various principles of the Sino-Japanese Treaty of Peace and Friendship, further develop the good-neighborly and friendly relations between the two countries and exchanges in various fields, and work together for the friendship between the two peoples from generation to generation." At the end of the reception, Deng Xiaoping came to the chairman of Polymall with a glass of wine and said, "Let's walk together." At this time, many congressmen also ran over to "congratulate". Bao Limao said to Deng Xiaoping: "These congressmen have worked hard for the Congress to pass the Japan-China Treaty of Peace and Friendship. They are all good friends of China." Deng Xiaoping said with a smile: "I am very happy to see so many friends." Paulimao said: "I want to bring these congressmen to China to meet with you." Deng Xiaoping said happily: "Welcome, welcome!" Everyone spoke freely and happily, and the reception was always filled with a cordial and friendly atmosphere, which was really joyful.Japanese Prime Minister Takeo Fukuda, who attended the reception, said cordially to Foreign Minister Nao Sonoda: "Today is Lao Deng playing the leading role again." Deng Xiaoping was warmly and frankly welcomed by the House of Representatives and the House of Representatives in the National Assembly. Chinese people do not forget old friends, and do not forget the well digger when drinking water.At 5:30 p.m., Deng Xiaoping and his wife, Zhuo Lin, cordially met with late Japanese friends at the Akasaka Guest House where they stayed——former Prime Minister Tetsuka Katayama, former Chairman of the Socialist Party Inejiro Asanuma, former Agriculture Minister Kenzo Matsumura, former Prime Minister The family members of Ishibashi Thamyama, former planning director Takasaki Tatsunosuke, and former postal railway minister Murata Shozo expressed their gratitude to the seniors who contributed to the friendship between China and Japan, and expressed condolences to their relatives. Deng Xiaoping first apologized and said: "Drinking water does not forget the man who dug the well. I should have visited everyone's home, but because I didn't have time, I invited everyone here." During the conversation, Deng Xiaoping quoted Premier Zhou Enlai twice in China When the diplomatic relations were normalized, the folk proverb I told my Japanese friends "drinking water does not forget the well digger". Deng Xiaoping said: "Mr. Kenzo Matsumura, Tatsunosuke Takasaki, Chamyama Ishibashi, Inajiro Asanuma, Tetsu Katayama, Shozo Murata and others are all farsighted statesmen and well diggers. When they were in an abnormal state, they firmly believed that the relationship between the two countries must be normalized, and they were not afraid of difficulties or pressure, and made unremitting efforts for the cause of Sino-Japanese friendship, and some friends contributed their precious lives for this.” When Deng Xiaoping talked about this, Ms. Kikue, the 83-year-old widow of Mr. Katayama Tetsu, sitting on his right, took off her glasses and wiped her tears with a handkerchief.Ms. Kyoko, the 74-year-old widow of Mr. Inajiro Asanuma, who was sitting on his left, also shed tears of emotion. Deng Xiaoping watched this moving scene and said emotionally: "You are relatives of old friends of the Chinese people, and of course relatives of the Chinese people. Some of you are already the second and third generations who have worked hard for the friendship between China and Japan. From you, I am more convinced that the people of China and Japan will continue to be friendly from generation to generation. I welcome you to visit China more often, as if visiting relatives. At the same time, I also ask you to convey my respect Condolences and thanks to the families of old friends who did not attend today's meeting!" Deng Xiaoping's heartfelt words warmed the hearts of Japanese friends.Murata Shozo's eldest son, 61-year-old Mr. Murata Shinichi said emotionally: "It has been 20 years since my father passed away. Even so, you have not forgotten us and invited us here..." That night, Deng Xiaoping once again said from the bottom of his heart at the grand welcome reception held by 10 friendly groups including the Japan Association for the Promotion of International Trade and the Japan-China Association, which once again won the applause of the Japanese people. and applause. In the afternoon of this day, Deng Xiaoping and his wife Zhuo Lin, accompanied by Chairman Kawamako and General Manager Ishihara, took the time to visit the Nissan factory in Zama City, Kanagawa Prefecture.Here, Deng Xiaoping and his wife took an electric car, listened to the introduction of the factory director Mr. Suematsu through a microphone, and visited the car body factory and assembly factory, which are proud of the latest equipment. When he saw 48 industrial robots welding the car body one by one in the workshop, and the degree of automation reached 96%, Deng Xiaoping was very excited, and asked with great interest while looking carefully: "What education do the workers here have received? ""Are all the parts produced in the company?" "How much are the wages of the workers?" When Deng Xiaoping came to the assembly plant, he learned that the per capita annual output of this plant was much higher than that of the most advanced Changchun First Automobile Factory in China. 93 out!He fell into deep thought. At the end of the visit, Deng Xiaoping delivered an impromptu speech while thanking Nissan Advertising Hall.Deng Xiaoping said: "I now understand what modernization is. Friends from industrially developed countries, especially Japan, are welcome to cooperate in China's modernization. This will also deepen the political relationship between the two countries." When the factory set up pens and paper for Deng Xiaoping to write an inscription as a souvenir, Deng Xiaoping readily asked to use a Chinese brush to write the inscription "Learn from and pay tribute to the great, hardworking, brave, and wise Japanese people."Zhuo Lin also wrote an inscription.Deng Xiaoping and his wife wrote an inscription for Nissan together, which flattered their Japanese friends and said: "This is really a great commemoration." Subsequently, Nissan presented to the Chinese government a top-level "President" car worth 3.8 million yen.Deng Xiaoping presented a panda painting of Wu Zuoren to Nissan. On the second day, when he talked with Toshio Sochi, the chairman of the Japan Federation of Economic Organizations, Deng Xiaoping emphasized that he would devote himself to the modernization of production and management in China, and frankly admitted that China's economic development level was 20 years behind that of the world. "Management must be grasped." "We can't just produce things, but also improve quality and manage them strictly." Deng Xiaoping said, "China was abandoned for 10 years. During this period, Japan and other countries made progress, so they fell behind inside and outside. for 20 years." During this meeting, Deng Xiaoping left a deep impression on Mr. Tu Guangmin, who had always been taciturn and serious, and he respected Deng Xiaoping spontaneously.He said with great emotion: "I deeply felt his humble attitude and strong determination to realize modernization when he said that China is still very backward and must learn from the advanced Japan. From the perspective of traditional Chinese thought, It's unimaginable." After the lunch meeting, Toshio Sochi told his later successor Yoshihiro Inayama that Deng Xiaoping was a "frank and unrestrained person".Inayama Yoshihiro also said: "The more confident a person is, the more flexible he is, and he is not obsessed with trivial matters. During his stay in Japan, Mr. Deng only talked about fundamental issues, and later he followed the foreign affairs plan exactly. Save the schedule. I heard that there has never been such a public guest so far, and he is a person with a lot of money. Because of his confidence, he is humble." On the morning of the 26th, Deng Xiaoping, accompanied by Yoshihiro Inayama, visited Japan's iron and steel base—the Kimitsu Iron and Steel Works of Nippon Steel Corporation.Yoshihiro Inayama, the founder of Japan's modern steel industry, is the chairman of the company, and he also serves as the chairman of the Japan-China Economic Association.After the visit, Deng Xiaoping made a gentleman's agreement with the Japanese "steel emperor" that China's Baosteel must be built better than the Kimitsu Iron and Steel Plant. In Osaka, Deng Xiaoping spent an hour visiting the Panasonic color TV production line, and had a 20-minute conversation with the 83-year-old Mr. Konosuke Matsushita, who is known as the "God of Management".Deng Xiaoping said: "There are many things worth learning, and I hope that Mr. Matsushita and everyone will give us assistance." Deng Xiaoping meant that he hoped to support China in terms of electronic technology and equipment.Konosuke Matsushita happily replied: "We will pass on everything to you." Everyone responded with warm applause. On the afternoon of the 26th, Deng Xiaoping and his wife, accompanied by Foreign Minister Naoda Sonoda and Ambassador to China Sato, took the Shinkansen "Guang-81" super express train to visit the Kansai area of ​​Japan.On the train at a speed of 210 kilometers per hour, Deng Xiaoping said with emotion: "It's very fast, as fast as the wind. There is a feeling of being whipped from behind and being chased. What we need now is to run fast!" In Kansai, Deng Xiaoping climbed Arashiyama in the rain to remember Premier Zhou Enlai. In Kansai, Deng Xiaoping came to Nara, which is a "sister city" with China's Xi'an, and visited Tangzhaoti Temple, which was established by monk Jianzhen of the Tang Dynasty in 763 AD. Deng Xiaoping also invited monk Jianzhen to return to China and Elder Morimoto to visit China. In Kansai, Deng Xiaoping was warmly welcomed by the Japanese people, singing and applauding everywhere he went...