BEIJING - Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan effectively finished his tenure Friday, after resigning as head of the ruling Democratic Party of Japan.

It is hoped the latest change of Japanese leadership, the sixth in only five years, will not hamper development of China-Japan relations, which are of great importance for Asia-Pacific peace and stability but have undergone ups and downs in recent years.

China and Japan, as the world's second and third biggest economies, have enormous bilateral trade, worth $300 billion in 2010, but their relations have sometimes soured over historical and territorial disputes.

A steady and friendly bilateral relationship will be beneficial for both sides, whether in political or economic fields.

In past years, the immense bilateral trade, to some extent, has helped alleviate Japan's economic stagnation and allowed Chinese consumers to enjoy Japan's high-tech products. And since the global financial crisis hit in 2008, the two countries have worked closely to limit its effects.

Both China and Japan claim sovereignty over the Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea, and their ties have from time to time been strained by this sensitive issue.

Confrontation and conflict between the two countries on the issue could be disastrous for the Asia-Pacific region, while their sound relations will be a blessing.

It is important for both sides to further promote bilateral exchanges, including those under regional frameworks such as APEC and ASEAN+3. Moreover, the global economic picture is still gloomy, with debt crises biting the United States and Europe.

China and Japan, as two of the world's economic heavyweights, should work together to tackle the ongoing severe global economic problems.

It is hoped that whoever becomes the new Japanese leader will properly handle China-Japan relations.

Meanwhile, both sides should further deepen exchanges, agree to disagree, and continue to push forward bilateral ties.