At a New Year reception held by Japanese economic organizations in Tokyo on Friday, Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wang Yi noted that bilateral relations fluctuated last year. While there were developments in terms of substantial cooperation, the two nations' political relationship continued to be marred by difficulties and obstacles.

He said Chinese President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao had elaborated on China's principles in dealing with current bilateral ties at separate meetings with Japanese leaders. They had confirmed the basic line for Sino-Japanese relations and reiterated that existing problems should be handled in the spirit of "taking history as a mirror and looking forward to the future." This will be important for improving and advancing ties between the two nations.

Wang said he hopes the coming year will prove a high point in bilateral relations in which the two countries are to jointly advance the unity and cooperation among Asian nations.

To that end, the political foundation of Sino-Japanese relations should be maintained, he said.

The 1972 Sino-Japanese joint communiqué and other related documents are guidelines for the development of bilateral relations and should be abided by unswervingly at all times, said Wang.

Also, he stated, both sides need to enhance mutual understanding under current circumstances. With profound adjustment and reform under way in both countries, they must acquire deeper recognition and understanding of each other and establish mutual trust in real terms.

As close neighbors, Wang noted, it is crucial to respect each other, and in particular not to conduct actions?that damage the interests of the other or injure the feelings of its people. Only in this way can Sino-Japanese ties develop smoothly.

Wang also stressed that the traditional friendship between the Chinese and Japanese people should be strengthened. Solutions to current problems require the efforts of both governments as well as those of the peoples of both nations and organizations set up to advance friendship.

Wang pointed out that the current situation reflects a relationship in transition. Both countries need to handle existing problems in a timely and sound way while seeking a sustainable framework for the long-term development of bilateral relations.

The reception was joined by about 500 Japanese political and economic dignitaries, including Speaker of the House of Representatives Yohei Kono, President of Parliament Chikage Oogi and former Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura, now chairman of the Diet's Japan-China Friendship League.

(China Daily January 10, 2005)