China and Japan seek closer ties

President Hu Jintao is on the last day of what's being called his "Warm Spring" trip to Japan. It is the first Chinese state visit to Japan in ten years. China and Japan have seen ups-and-downs in their relations in past decades. But the last two years have witnessed great breakthroughs. As Emma Moore tells us, Hu Jintao's tour is expected to herald a new era for Sino-Japanese ties.

Cherry blossom season welcomes a blooming relationship.

On Tuesday，Chinese Hu Jintao began his "warm spring" trip to Japan, the first by a Chinese president since 1998.

The five day tour is Hu Jintao's longest overseas trip in a country, and he had a packed schedule to make the most of his time.

President Hu Jintao met with Emperor Akihito, held talks with Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, and exchanged views with representatives of leading Japanese companies and the country's main political parties.

On Wednesday, the two countries signed a joint statement on comprehensive promotion of strategic, mutually beneficial relations.

It's their fourth key political document, and is meant to serve as a guideline and blueprint for the future.

Hu Jintao said, "I think together with Mr. Fukuda we are at the starting point of a new chapter of history. We now have a new chance to develop ties more. Both of us need to make an effort and open up a new phase of comprehensive development, and develop China and Japan's mutual relationship."

Two years ago, then Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe proposed establishing mutually beneficial strategic relations during his visit to China. The proposal received a warm welcome.

It was the first time since diplomatic relations were established 36 years ago that China and Japan agreed to use the word "strategic" to label their relations.

Analysts believe close ties will bring benefits to both countries.

Koji Watanabe, senior fellow of Japan Center For Int'l Exchange, said, "Japan is becoming more and more normal after 60 years of experience since the end of war, with affection and sense of remorse about what we did in 1930s and 40s particular to China in terms of the use of force aboard, which is deprived now."

Chu Xiaobo, associate prof. of Peking University, said, "China wants peaceful development and a harmonious society. The goals are hard to achieve without a peaceful and harmonious neighborhood. So for China, mutually beneficial strategic relations with Japan are in its long-term, overall interests."

One is a developing country; the other is a developed nation with 40 years of prosperity behind it.

It's the first time that the two Asian powers are on the rise together.

What are the prospects for coexistence?

Koji Watanabe said, "In this stage of interdependence, age of globalization, two great states can co-exist on mutual benefit basis. I don't agree that because China is emerging, it is going to be rivals or threat. I think the more China prosper, Japan prosper too. We are confident that we can grow with cooperation with China."

Seeking common ground while shelving differences, China and Japan currently face a new opportunity to deepen ties.

No matter where politics take Japan or what temporary disputes China and Japan may have, strategic mutual beneficial relations are in the interests of the two peoples.