By Zhang Tuosheng
China-Japan relations made remarkable progress following the
normalization of ties in 1972. However, with profound changes
taking place throughout the world as well as within the two
countries, relations have been in a protracted period of turbulence
since the early 1990s.
Friction between the two nations grew in frequency as well as in
tension levels. In 2005, bilateral ties hit rock bottom as all
high-level contacts were suspended. The serious deterioration of
China-Japan relations has not only badly hurt the strategic
interests of both countries but also aroused grave concern in the
international community.
Through efforts by both sides, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo
Abe visited China last October, shortly after his election. During
that visit, leaders of the two countries reached a consensus on
working together to overcome political obstacles, fully resume
high-level contacts, push forward balanced development of political
and economic ties, and build a mutually beneficial strategic
relationship.
That visit broke the long political stalemate between the two
countries, opening the door for growing bilateral relations. Since
then, China-Japan ties have shown marked signs of progress.
But, Sino-Japanese relations are only beginning to improve. The
three major points of friction between the two nations history, the
East China Sea, Taiwan still exist. The emotional standoff between
the two peoples caused by these frictions won't go away any time
soon. And it is even more difficult to turn current strategic
suspicions between the two sides into strategic mutual trust in the
near future. Besides, numerous differences remain on how to build
strategic mutual trust.
Against this backdrop Premier Wen Jiabao's Japan visit, which
begins today, is all the more significant and will have a great
impact on the future development of bilateral relations.
First of all, in Wen's own words, this visit will be an
"ice-melting" trip in the wake of the "ice-breaking" one by Abe
last year. This means one of the key tasks of the premier's Japan
trip will be expanding in-depth discussions on joint efforts to
overcome political obstacles and appropriately resolve other major
issues between the two nations. This includes advancing talks on
the East China Sea issue and coordinating policies aimed at
maintaining peace in the Taiwan Straits.
Second, this visit will kick-start the process of building a
mutually beneficial strategic relationship between China and Japan.
Wen clearly told reporters at a recent press conference that,
during his Japan tour, the two sides would construct a joint
document dealing with a strategic relationship of mutual benefit on
the basis of the existing three political documents normalizing
bilateral ties. He sees the signing of this document as a
significant event symbolizing a new phase in Sino-Japanese
relations.
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During this visit the two sides are expected to decide on a series
of concrete steps to beef up all-round bilateral cooperation
dealing with the economy, energy resources, environmental
protection and nuclear non-proliferation; speed up the development
of relations between the countries' armed forces, conspicuously
lagging behind other areas; and establish a mechanism for a patient
dialogue on issues where the two sides have differences as well as
agreements.
Third, this visit will further strengthen high-level contacts
between the two sides and create a mechanism for future contacts.
In current international relations, especially among major powers,
frequent contacts between national leaders are irreplaceable in
promoting nation-to-nation relations. They help both sides form a
relationship of mutual confidence. Unfortunately, such high-level
contacts between China and Japan had become one of the weakest
links in their bilateral ties in recent years as relations
deteriorated dramatically.
Since last October, we have seen rapid improvement, with leaders
of the two countries meeting four times in the past three months.
Wen's current visit will offer leaders of both nations more time to
get to know each other and create better conditions for future
reciprocal visits by Abe and President Hu Jintao.
Fourth, this visit will improve the environment for the
development of bilateral ties. As the first visit to Japan by a
Chinese premier in seven years, it will be intensely watched by the
media of both countries.
The visit will also raise the curtain for commemorating the 35th
anniversary of the normalization of China-Japan relations and
inaugurate the Year of Sino-Japanese Sports Exchanges.
Media coverage of this visit and the series of commemorative
activities and exchanges that follows will not only help the two
peoples better know each other but also enhance the environment for
positive interaction in both countries.
It is vital to both countries to seize this opportunity to
propel bilateral relations into a new mutually beneficial era. This
is an important reason for Wen's trip. We expect the visit to be a
total success.
The author is a researcher with the China Foundation for
International and Strategic Studies.
(China Daily April 11, 2007)
