Onus on Abe to bridge historical divide

At the invitation of Premier Li Keqiang, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is due to pay an official visit to China on Oct 25-27, the first official visit to China by a Japanese prime minister since Yoshihiko Noda's visit in 2011.

That Abe's visit coincides with the 40th anniversary of the enactment of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship on Oct 23, 1978, is of significance to the two neighbors whose ties have experienced twists and turns in recent years. During his visit, Abe is due to meet Chinese leaders and exchange views with them on improving bilateral ties and other international and regional issues of common concern.

Such direct high-level dialogue is crucial for healthy bilateral ties. But given the sensitivity and volatility of relations between the two neighbors, whether the nascent positive momentum will continue or once again come a standstill as it has in the past remains to be seen.