Second, the Chinese economy interlinks with the world economy, demanding an international environment of peace, win-win cooperation and long-term stability. By late 2013, China had become the top trade partner of nearly 130 economies in the world. Such a global presence signals the prospects of China's future economic development, the realization of the Chinese dream, as well as the peaceful and stable development of regional and world economies. Therefore, China is more aware of the significance of global interdependence than any other country, which has spurred it to initiate the concept of building new-type relationships between major powers as well as stressing the guideline for its neighborhood diplomacy featuring amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness as well as good-neighborliness. China's economic development, which is based on interdependence, is incapable of threatening any other country. The country's development not only benefits its people, but also provides opportunities and momentum for common prosperity in its region, including Japan, and the world at large.

Third, insisting on the path of peaceful development is not only the basic national policy of China, but is also supported by the country's tradition and culture as well as modern reform and development. China has pursued a cultural tradition of peace, harmony and non-interference with other countries. Its development must therefore entail a peaceful rise. No matter the international environment China finds itself in, the country will remain committed to peaceful development. In history, Japan is the only country to have disrupted China's modernization process twice. Today, China is willing to see Japan as a partner that can play an active role in China's modernization. China hopes there will be more political leaders from both sides with the courage to stand out, uphold friendly relations from generation to generation, and keep their promises, so as to target long-term friendliness as an established goal of China-Japan relations.

Finding a way back

Recently, the China-Japan bilateral relationship has been seriously damaged, resulting in negative consequences for bilateral communication. But cultural communication still is counted on to play a key role at such a perilous time. Efforts need to be made in four major fields.

More enthusiasm should be displayed. Both sides should show more eagerness for cultural communication instead of downplaying or ignoring it. Only passionate cultural communication can truly play a vital, enduring and long-sighted role in bilateral relations.

More celebrities should get involved. Chinese and Japanese figures in academic, artistic and other cultural circles should take the lead in undertaking the important function of cultural exchange ambassadors. Celebrities, with their special influence, can inspire bigger swathes of the populace, especially young people, to participate in cultural communication.

More friends should be made. Everyone joining in cultural communication should use cultural activities as platforms to make friends, so as to expand cultural exchange through personal connections. Currently, members of friendship organizations on both sides have generally reached a senior age. Cultural exchange must be inherited by younger generations. Thus, China and Japan should enhance people-to-people communication via cultural exchanges.

More mechanisms should be established. Three communicative mechanisms should be built between China and Japan. A cultural exchange coordinating committee covering governmental and non-governmental personnel should be created to organize, coordinate and propel bilateral cultural exchange activities. A committee should be in charge of coordinating bilateral media communication so as to sufficiently utilize the important role of the media. A China-Japan youth communication coordinating committee should be set up to allow more young people attend bilateral exchanges.

Furthermore, China and Japan should generally transfer big projects from the processing industry to areas in which Japan holds a technical advantage and China has a large market demand, such as environmental protection, urban management and new energy utilization. Bilateral trade and economic exchanges still need the drive and support of big projects, the new mechanisms of which will provide the momentum needed to fulfill these missions.

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