The Taiwan issue concerns China's territorial integrity and sovereignty. In a joint statement signed by China and Japan in September 1972, the Japanese Government said it fully understands and respects the fact that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China. As the two countries commemorate the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations, Japan should stick to its one-China promise and cut off all official communication with Taiwan's leaders, saying no to any form of "Taiwan independence."

In 2006, the bilateral trade volume was expected to reach $200 billion. And as of October, Japan's direct investment in China totaled $57 billion, while China's investment in Japan is also growing rapidly. At the same time, non-governmental communication between the two peoples is very active. This has greatly promoted the bilateral relationship and improved the regional situation. Moreover, the two sides will explore scientific and technological cooperation in such areas as energy conservation, environmental protection, telecommunications, finance and other high-technology fields. In addition, communication in the cultural, educational and media areas will be more active, which also will strengthen the public mutual trust between the two nations.

The changing economic and security situations in the Asia-Pacific region create a new task for Sino-Japanese relations. Now, the two countries' gross domestic product (GDP) accounts for 80 percent of the total GDP of East Asia.

Their population and bilateral trade volume exceed 70 percent and 60 percent, respectively, of the total for East Asia. The two countries are the most important economic partners in the area.

In 2007, it is natural and reasonable that China and Japan will make a constructive contribution to the economic integrity of the region.

The author is with the China Institute of International Studies