Visit can help promote positive regional trends

A desirable rapprochement between Beijing and Tokyo will not only benefit the two neighbors, but also contribute to the good momentum that has emerged in Northeast Asia of late.

So Premier Li Keqiang's upcoming visit to Japan is a welcome sign that the two countries are actively trying to revive their relations.

Li is scheduled to pay an official visit to Japan from May 8 to 11. Given that this will be the first visit by a Chinese premier to Japan in seven years, it will no doubt help break the ice between the two neighbors and contribute to the two sides' efforts to reanimate their relations.