Exchanges between peoples

THE CURRENT POLITICAL STALEMATE between China and Japan should never shake the conviction of those on both sides that bilateral relations are essential not only to the stability of East Asia but also to the peace and development of the world at large.

This explains why former state councilor Tang Jiaxuan, during his visit to Japan early this month, called on clear-minded politicians on both sides to resist what the Abe administration is doing in kidnapping Japan-China relations for partisan interests and the benefit of Japan's right-wing political forces.

When it comes to the economic development and social progress of both countries, the importance of Sino-Japanese friendship can never be overestimated. Neither can the importance the Chinese government attaches to this friendship. This is why China will never tolerate whatever moves the Abe government takes to undermine the political foundation for friendly relations.