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TOKYO: Among China's external relations, Sino-Japanese ties easily count as one of the most important, but also among the most difficult ones to manage.
The two countries complement each other greatly, and their economies are closely intertwined. But political ties have also been fraught with difficulties.
Much of the Japanese culture has Chinese influence, including its tradition of tea ceremony and kimono making. But despite the heritage, both countries also fought bitter battles, especially the invasion in World War II.
In 1972, the two countries normalised ties and that was when Japan accepted the one China policy. In 1978, they signed a peace treaty. In 1994, a big breakthrough came in the form of Emperor Akihito visiting China.
However, relations have soured since 2001, due to then Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's annual visits to the Yasukuni Shrine. Although relations improved after Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi stepped down, concerns still linger.
Tokyo is concerned about China's military build up, as well as an ongoing dispute over energy resources in the East China Sea.
But there is no question about China's growing economic power. Many in Japan expect the Chinese to overtake Japan as the second largest economy in the world.
"It is a good thing China is developing. Lately, it's trying to be a responsible stakeholder," said Hiroko Maeda, research fellow, PHP Research Institute.
"But there remains... a lot of uncertainties in China. So lately, the Japanese government attaches importance to China-Japan relations – to keep it stable and maintain a good relationship. And of course DPJ allows this policy," he added.
According to analysts, bilateral ties are likely to improve under the Yukio Hatoyama government now on board.
"Hatoyama said a couple of things that would please the Beijing government. First, he said that he is not going to the Yasukuni Shrine. That will be good for China," said Masashi Nishihara, president, Research Institute for Peace and Security.
"He has also talked about how relationship with China is very important and how he would like to maintain Japan's position to resolve disputes in East China Sea or in the future Senkaku Island issues. So we'll have to see how the relationship will go," he added.
Many Asian governments agree that China and Japan are among the most important countries in Asia, and their ability to get along will influence the stability of the region.
- CNA/sc
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