On October 20, Japanese media released a poll showing that Aso's approval rating had fallen to 36 percent, a 9-point drop from the day he became prime minister on September 24. The crumbling approval rating means if Aso does not perform better, he risks losing the general election next year or even being tossed out by the parliament before the end of his term. Squeezed by the domestic political situation and the international financial crisis, Aso must find a way to relieve the pressure.

"China's rapid growth, increasing potential economic influence and China's incomplete engagement with the international financial system make the Chinese market comparatively safe for Japan," Zheng said. In September, Japanese exports to China increased 1.9 percent, continuing a 40-month trend. Bilateral trade volume hit $240 billion in 2007.

The stress Aso placed on "mutually beneficial cooperation" was in accordance with the principle of developing a strategic and reciprocal Sino-Japanese relationship, which helps both sides find common interests, said Zheng. It was also consistent with the theme of the ASEM summit.

Aso's China visit was a diplomatic show that exhibited his Asian policy for the first time, said China Youth Daily in a report published on October 27. "Aso intended to erase his image as a 'conservative hawk' while demonstrating that his diplomatic policy pays attention to real interests."

Whatever Aso's intentions were, long-term friendship and stable bilateral exchanges will benefit both China and Japan. When meeting the visiting Japanese prime minister, Hu pointed out that Sino-Japanese relations are at a historic new starting point and enjoy important opportunities for further development.