Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda and Chinese President Hu Jintao, in their meeting in Tokyo this week, reconfirmed the importance of the Japan-China relationship and showed their determination to put it on a smooth path through dialogue and cooperation by "looking toward the future." Mr. Hu's visit to Japan, the first by a top Chinese leader since former President Jiang Zemin's visit in November 1998, and his meeting with Mr. Fukuda can be characterized as having represented a "starting point of new history," as Mr. Hu said. But it must not be forgotten that the leaders made the achievement by tiptoeing through potentially volatile issues, such as Tibet and the food poisoning in Japan caused by Chinese-made frozen "gyoza" dumplings.

In their joint statement, the two leaders agreed that the Japan-China relationship is one of the most important bilateral relationships for both countries. They also agreed to "comprehensively push mutually beneficial strategic relations." The statement is the fourth landmark paper issued by the two countries since they established diplomatic ties in 1972.

Notably, the joint statement said Japan and China have a great influence on, and have the solemn responsibility of fostering, the peace, stability and development of the Asia-Pacific Region and the world.