by Xinhua writer Zhu Junqing
BEIJING, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- Following the trilateral foreign ministers' meeting held on Wednesday in Tokyo, Japan's National Security Advisor Yachi Shotaro on Wednesday kicked off a highly anticipated visit to China, trying to mend the Japan-China relations strained by Tokyo's distorted view of history and its right-leaning government.
During his stay, the key political adviser to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is expected to attend the third China-Japan high-level political dialogue and meet senior Chinese officials, including Premier Li Keqiang and Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi.
But if the envoy is expecting a fruitful trip, he is highly advised to bear three things in mind.
First of all, at the third high-level political dialogue, it is hoped that Japan will maintain the positive momentum in the rapprochement with China, overcome obstacles and interruptions, and focus on the "four-wheel drive" to promote cooperation in politics, economy and trade, culture as well as sustainable development.
It serves both countries to accumulate political mutual trust, properly handle sensitive issues, step up security dialogue and policy consultation, and promote mutual understanding and trust.
As the world's second and third largest economies, the two countries' cooperation will achieve win-win results, speed up the integration of East Asia, and contribute to regional peace, development and prosperity.
Secondly, Japan should abide by the four-point principled agreement it reached with China, and make their differences controllable.
On the Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea, the two sides need to bear in mind the big picture of bilateral relations and common interests, enhance mutual trust and control differences. China is firm to safeguard territorial sovereignty and maintain marine rights and is willing to properly solve the problem through dialogue.
On the South China Sea disputes, Japan, as a non-claimant country in the South China Sea, should be prudent in words and deeds and refrain from actions that may jeopardize regional peace and stability.
Thirdly, historical issues are closely related to the political foundation of China-Japan ties and the national sentiment of 1.3 billion Chinese people. China hopes its neighbor can face history squarely, take history as a mirror and look into the future.
On this point, China has set a good example for Japan. Though their bilateral ties have been clouded by Tokyo's illegal claim over the China-owned Diaoyu Islands and its interference in the disputes over South China Sea islands, China's belief that differences should be solved through dialogue has never been shaken. Its attending of the trilateral foreign minister meeting is a proof.
Now the ball is in Tokyo's yard. It is time for Japan to act as a responsible player.
