Beijing dismisses reports of Abe's China visit in September

A woman walks past a screen showing Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe delivering a statement marking the 70th anniversary of World War II's end in Tokyo, August 14, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

The Foreign Ministry told China Daily on Wednesday that it "has not heard of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's September visit to China", dismissing Japanese media reports that said Abe will start a visit to China on Sept 3.

A front-page story in Japan's leading newspaper Mainichi Shimbun on Tuesday quoted "multiple sources involved in diplomacy" as saying that "Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is set to visit China on Sept 3 to meet with President Xi Jinping".

The newspaper said Abe may arrive in the afternoon to avoid the parade in the morning, and "the two governments are finalizing consultations over the summit meeting".

The Spokesperson's Office of Foreign Ministry said in a written reply to China Daily on Wednesday that it "has not heard of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's September visit to China".

"I would like to reiterate that what the Chinese side has invited the leader of the relevant country to is the 'September 3' commemorative activities," the office said.

Conflicting reports on possible Abe visit

Some Japanese officials have dismissed media reports that said Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will start a visit to China on Sept 3, the same day as China's military parade in Beijing to mark the 70th anniversary of victory in World War II.

Chinese observers said that as political difficulties continue to cloud the two countries' relations, some Japanese media are eager for a publicity stunt to help Tokyo decide the best time to reveal whether Abe will come.

Japan's Kyodo News Agency said on Monday: "Abe plans to visit China in September, and hopes to achieve a leaders meeting between Japan and South Korea this autumn. Coordinating efforts have been boosted, but obstacles remain."

Japan's Kyodo News Agency said on Monday: "Abe plans to visit China in September, and hopes to achieve a leaders meeting between Japan and South Korea this autumn. Coordinating efforts have been boosted, but obstacles remain."

A front-page story in Mainichi Shimbun on Tuesday quoted "multiple sources involved in diplomacy" as saying that "Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is set to visit China on Sept 3 to meet with President Xi Jinping".

The newspaper said Abe may arrive in the afternoon to avoid the parade in the morning, and "the two governments are finalizing consultations over the summit meeting".

However, Bloomberg reported later on Tuesday that "Japanese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Takako Ito said by phone that nothing has been decided yet."

Also, Beijing Youth Daily said the Japanese Embassy in Beijing "disagrees" with the details in the Mainichi report, and that there is no confirmation whether Abe will visit China or attend any kind of activity. More

zhangyunbi@chinadaily.com.cn