Japanese media highly value Sino-Japanese joint statement

One of the highlights of President Hu's five-day Japanese state visit has been the signing of the Sino-Japanese joint statement. The six-point pact promotes all-round strategic and mutually beneficial relations between China and Japan.

Here's a look at how leading Japanese media are reporting on this document that many believe will chart a new era for closer ties between the two countries.

Japan's largest newspaper, The Mainichi Daily News, says the latest Sino-Japanese joint statement forges mutual trust and the sharing of responsibility between China and Japan. It also says the new pact charts a win-win path for the further development of Sino-Japanese relations. The Mainichi Daily also agrees that long-term peaceful cooperation is the only way forward for both Japan and China.

The second most circulated national newspaper in Japan, the Asahi Shimbun says the newly signed joint statement has expanded Sino-Japanese ties from the level of bilateral cooperation to collaboration on international issues.

It also says the statement's call for peace and friendship, and not posing any threat to one another was realistic. And that it is the best path ahead for Japan and China. The Asahi Shimbun also praised the dialogue mechanism to enhance better understanding between Japan and China. The newspaper noted that this was one of the significant results of the talks between Hu Jintao and Japanese Prime Minister, Yashu Fukuda.

One of the commentators on Japan's National Broadcaster - NHK, noted the friendly atmosphere in the air on the day both sides signed the new Sino-Japanese joint statement. He also remarked that President Hu Jintao's visit to Japan shortly after his re-election as state leader of China shows the great importance that China attaches to Japan. He also said the Chinese president's visit, despite a rocky period in the relationship between the two countries in previous years, signaled China's determination to forge friendly ties with Japan.

And Japan's main news distributor, Kyodo News Service, said the statement shows China's willingness to enhance Sino-Japanese ties. Especially by sharing responsibility between the two countries in dealing with matters in the Asian-Pacific region and around the world.