Sino-Japanese ties have 'opportunity'

Experts see hope for improvement as key WWII anniversary nears

A former high-ranking Chinese official has suggested that relations between China and Japan could markedly improve as both countries prepare to commemorate next year's 70th anniversary of the end of World War II.

Tang Jiaxuan, former state councilor and now president of the China-Japan Friendship Association, said on Wednesday that "the Asian neighbors are paying a great deal of attention to how the Japanese government and leaders will handle next year and what kind of messages will be delivered".