Development of future-oriented China-Japan relations

TOKYO, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) -- Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda is to start a two-day official visit to China on Sunday in efforts to promote the development strategic and mutually beneficial relations between China and Japan oriented toward the future.

During the visit, Noda will exchange views with Chinese leaders, including the situation in the Korean Peninsular following top DPRK leader Kim Jong Il's death.

"It appears that Noda's administration, unlike previous ones, is keen to take a pragmatic, open and frank approach to resolving issues that are straining the China-Japan ties and to promote the bilateral relations for the sake of regional prosperity and security," Shizuoka-based political commentator and author Philip McNeil told Xinhua.

In a written interview with Xinhua and other Chinese media ahead of his planned trip to China Sunday, the Japanese prime minister said that the East Asian region is now facing a number of challenges and increased dialogue between key players in the region is now of paramount importance.

"We are now facing a new situation in East Asia and ensuring peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula is in the common interest of both countries," the Japanese leader said.

Noda said that deepening the strategic and mutually beneficial relationship between China and Japan is of great importance as China's development as the world's second-largest economy represents an indispensable opportunity to the international community, including Japan.

"It is the first time I will visit China after I was elected as the prime minister of Japan. I hope to build a trustworthy relationship with Chinese leaders and exchange views in a frank way to deepen our ties," said Noda.

China also attaches great importance to the upcoming visit of the Japanese prime minister.

Chinese President Hu Jintao and top legislator Wu Bangguo will meet with Noda respectively, and Premier Wen Jiabao will also hold talks with the Japanese leader, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Weimin said at a press briefing.

Liu said the two sides will exchange views on the China-Japan ties, as well as international and regional issues of common concern.