China, Japan call for new era in relations

Chinese and Japanese leaders have called for a new era in relations, and pledged to meet each year. President Hu Jintao is in the middle of an historic visit to Japan, talking with top Japanese leaders about the advancement of ties.

A sincere welcome from the Japanese Emperor to the Chinese President. It's the first time in ten years that the two neighbors have decided to warm relations after a chilly decade.

A common theme of the meeting between Emperor Akihito and Hu Jintao has been the long history of friendly exchanges between the nations and good wishes for the future. Hu Jintao recalled the exchanges in history, and expressed China's wish to usher in new age of overall development with Japan.

The Chinese President also exchanged views with Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, agreeing to set up regular visits between the leaders of both countries. They also pledged to set up high-level exchanges in trade and defense.

Hu Jintao said the two countries are standing at a new point in history, with the time for development lying ahead. He proposed the two sides learnt from history and deepened their mutual trust and cooperation. He also proposed to resolve differences through dialogue.

Hu Jintao proposed that the two countries should strengthen high-level economic dialogue, and enhance cooperation.

Fukuda echoed Hu's proposals, and agreed to promote cooperation in technology-related trade and innovation.

The two sides also agreed to promote cooperation in environmental protection, and phase in efforts to destroy chemical weapons abandoned by Japan in China during World War II.

The two leaders also signed joint documents on advancing strategic and mutually-beneficial relations between the two largest economies in Asia. It is the fourth political document signed in 30 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

During a joint news conference after the meeting, President Hu Jintao said the document represents the new progress the two countries have made, and formulates the guiding principles for the long-term development of bilateral ties between the two sides.

He also attached great importance to the role of cooperation between the two countries in the development of Asia.

Hu Jintao said, "Both China and Japan are important countries in Asia, and should shoulder the responsibilities of peace and development in Asia. The two countries can, and should, develop cooperation in various fields. We should understand and support each other to play a constructive role in regional and international issues, enhance strategic coordination and joint efforts to revitalize Asia, and face up to global challenges."

Fukuda echoed the positive points, and promised to join with China to create a brighter future for the two countries. He also wished the Beijing Olympics every success.

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