By Xu Dunxin

There were many insightful opinions expressed at the Beijing-Tokyo Forum, from both Chinese and Japanese speakers. They diverged on some issues, but concurred on more.

The biggest consensus was: Sino-Japanese relations are in an abnormal state, and that is bad for both countries. There are both historical factors and current ones, and then there are concerns and anxieties about what the future holds.

This year has seen a plethora of problems -- the visits to the Yasukuni Shrine, the Taiwan question, Diaoyu Islands, East China Sea continental shelf, and the so-called "China threat." Both China and Japan are observing the 60th anniversary of the end of War World II. It is a moment that we should remember is still quite sensitive, and the emergence of so many disputes should alert and worry us.

The Sino-Japanese relationship is at a crossroad and the future is either continuous neighborliness and cooperation, or confrontation and hostility. People from every quarter should reflect on this and balance the costs and benefits of each option.

Personally, I am optimistic or cautiously optimistic. Even though the reality is serious, I try not to be pessimistic because I believe the majority of Chinese and Japanese are intelligent and will make a smart choice.

In a recent interview with China Radio International, I told a Japanese audience: "If winter comes, can spring be far behind? Let's work for the warm spring that will thaw our relations."

The obstacles in our relations have different origins, either international or the result of the dynamics inside each country. Changes may bring about challenges, but also opportunities. The key is human efforts, which determine the future.

China and Japan are neighbors. That is a fact we cannot change no matter what. Therefore we need to learn to get along, to view changes and developments of the other side with the right attitude.

Japan used to adopt a policy of "leaving Asia for Europe." It is understandable since, in its pursuit of development, it needed to learn from the West in terms of technology and experience. But times have changed. Many Asian countries have stood up and got on the road to peaceful growth.

There are Japanese reports of support for a "return to Asia" and cultivating ties with Asian neighbors. "Good neighbor" is a term popular in both of our countries. For example, China has a bilateral diplomatic policy of "getting along with neighbors," which certainly includes one of the most important bilateral relationships -- with Japan.

The complementary nature of the two economies has not changed. Despite its decade-long economic malaise, Japan is still an economic power, and it is bouncing back. China has achieved success with its economic reforms and has more clout economically. But China is after all a developing nation. Japan needs to retain its prosperity and China needs to achieve its dream of modernization. We need each other and cooperation will lead us to a great future.

With globalization in full swing, regional economic cooperation is on the rise. Compared to other regions, East Asia has lagged behind. China and Japan, as the region's big powers, have a responsibility to promote cooperation. This accedes not only to the expectations of other Asian nations, but also to the interests of our own. Examined in the global context, the road of uniting is the best option for East Asia.

We should cherish the fruits of the 10+3 -- Association of Southeast Asian Nations plus China, Japan and the Republic of Korea -- and the East Asia Summit to be held shortly. Moreover, we should abandon the old thinking of "one mountain is not able to accommodate two tigers."

Both China and Japan are big consumers of energy. The difference is China is at the same time a big producer and its reliance on imports is somewhat lower than that of Japan. But Japan leads in energy-saving technology, which China should learn from.

Now that oil prices are going up, the pressure on producing countries is high, but even higher on consuming nations. This is bad for the world economy. I want to make a proposal that in the area of energy, why don't our two countries build a mechanism to cooperate instead of competing?

If we work together in energy, which includes development, transport, storage, efficiency and nuclear energy, we will realize mutual benefits. If cooperation spreads across all East Asia, that will be beneficial to everyone. On related matters such as the East China Sea continental shelf, we can join hands in developing rather than stubbornly sticking to our own positions.

The Taiwan question and the historical issue, at the core of Sino-Japanese relations, are the most sensitive and form the political foundation of the relationship. This should not flounder, or the mansion of our friendship would collapse.

It is our hope that Japan will adhere to the "one China" principle and the "no support for Taiwan independence" promise, and refrain from backtracking or meddling with China's reunification endeavor.

Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's visits to the Yasukuni Shrine constitute the knot that is tying up the relations and halting mutual visits by senior leaders. They have not only wrought havoc in the relations, but also tarnished Japan's international image.

We have noticed that the Prime Minister did not make the visit this August 15, but instead made a speech reiterating what former Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama said 10 years ago. It should be noted that Koizumi's speech had the right tone, which was to face up to history and seek regional peace and development with China, the Republic of Korea and other Asian nations. I hope he will do what he has said.

All who care about Sino-Japanese relations will heed both his words and deeds. Some in Japan may ask: What do the "deeds" imply? Well, that means he should not visit the Shrine after August 15 either.

I believe that anyone who is committed to promoting the relationship will agree with me on this: when we look back, we will realize that Sino-Japanese friendship has not come easily, and when we look forward, we expect a better relationship. As I said before, "If winter comes, can spring be far behind?"

(China Daily September 1, 2005)