A near friend is better than a distant relative

Editor's note: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is scheduled to visit China and meet Chinese leaders on Oct 25-27. This is the first official visit paid by Japanese Prime Minister in seven years, and it coincides with the 40th anniversary of the enactment of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship on Oct 23, 1978. What can we expect out of this visit? How can the two countries enhance ties? Five experts shared their views on the issue with China Daily's Liu Jianna. Excerpts follow:

Closer ties would be mutually beneficial

Due to external causes and historical disputes, relations between China and Japan have endured many twists and turns. So as to safeguard the two sides' interests and the overall development of Northeast Asia, it is essential for the two countries to establish a relationship that will not be easily swayed by a third party and sign a fifth political document based on consensus on the long-term development of bilateral relations.