For a Healthy Relationship

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s official visit to China from October 25 to 27, the first by a Japanese prime minister in seven years, signals an improvement in political relations between the two countries. For years, the bilateral relationship was more about business and trade.

As neighbors, the two countries share a lot of common interests, but due to the Japanese Government’s wrongful attitude toward some sensitive issues including history, at times dissonance crops up in the bilateral relations. The Chinese are particularly concerned with the rebounding militarism among the Japanese right wing. The memory of the Japanese aggression in the first half of the 20th century remains a dark shadow in the hearts of the Chinese people even today. They abhor Japan’s militarism and yearn for peace.

Japan’s so-called nationalization of the Diaoyu Islands in 2012 saw the political relationship between the two countries hit a low ebb. But even when political relations cool down, economic relations remain warm. Abe’s visit has helped to warm up the chilly political atmosphere, which conforms to the fundamental interests of the two peoples. East Asia and the world at large had long wished to see this positive relationship.

Currently, the world is undergoing dramatic changes, caught between pro- and anti-globalization forces. China and Japan are both steadfast champions of an open global economic system. So enhanced political mutual trust, direct interaction and tangible cooperation between the two countries bode well for them and the wider world. This closeness can be fostered through the Belt and Road Initiative, their involvement in global economic development, close cooperation in thirdparty markets and regional economic integration as well as upholding multilateralism and free trade.

China welcomes Japan’s participation in its development in the new era, with a view to reaching a higher level of win-win cooperation. The signing of the ChinaJapan Treaty of Peace and Friendship in 1978 meant the direction of lasting peace and friendship between the two countries was confirmed in a legal form, helping them better deal with sensitive issues and further bilateral cooperation. China hopes this sound and stable relationship will be sustained.

However, Japan’s ability to contain the militarist forces at home and fostering a correct understanding of history in the Japanese society remain key to ChinaJapan relations. It’s hoped that Japan will act in line with the prevailing political documents and consensus reached by the two countries and tackle disputes in a constructive way to strengthen the political foundation of a sound China-japan relationship.