Three years ago, I was studying in Nagoya University of Japan. During my stay, I was impressed by the uniqueness of Japanese culture and fascinated by the Sino-Japan cultural exchanges in history. Recalling the past, these two East Asian giants have lived in peace for the most of time, jointly contributing to the prosperity of Asian civilization. But entering the 21st century, historical exchanges and friendship are shadowed by the historical problems and territorial disputes.

History matters. But what matters more is making new history. The Asian integration led by both China and Japan is the new history we need to make in Asia. The Asian integration is the only way to achieve our Asian dream which is to build a strong, prosperous and cohesive Asia. Unfortunately, the backwardness of Sino-Japan relationship is the main obstacle to Asian integration and Asian dream.

Observers say the 21st century belongs to the Asia-Pacific region. But credit is not given, it has to be earned. Leaders from both countries need wisdom and patience to build a healthy partner relationship. We are friends, not enemies. This is why Japanese senior politicians like Yukio Hatoyama and Nonaka Hiromu still pay visits to China, making efforts to restore Asia’s most important bilateral relationship. Chinese leaders welcome any constructive suggestions and concrete measures to fix the problems between the two countries because China always views the Sino-Japan relationship from a long-term strategic perspective. What we lack and need now, is friendly responses from the current Japanese leaders.