New era demands cooperation between China and Japan

In line with the demand of a new era, the China-Japan Strategic Dialogue concluded on Saturday with the two sides reaching a consensus on strengthening bilateral relations. Held after a gap of seven years, the dialogue was marked by candid exchanges on bilateral ties, and regional and international issues.

Started in May 2005, the China-Japan Strategic Dialogue is aimed at helping the two sides better understand each other's policies to expand cooperation and sound out each other on conflicting interests. The dialogue therefore lays more emphasis on genuine discussions than on specific agreements, although the possibility of such deals being reached cannot be ruled out.

No wonder the dialogue was more symbolic than substantive. Despite that, the two sides decided to propel bilateral ties forward and create the needed atmosphere for President Xi Jinping's proposed visit to Japan next spring. This is of great significance and reflects the changing international landscape and the two sides' developing relationship. More important, building a bilateral relationship in line with the demands of the new era and the two sides' commitment to developing bilateral ties at the dialogue are expected to be the theme of Xi's proposed visit.