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(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-09-17 07:39

If we liken the relationship between China and Japan to a ship, then a high-level exchange is the rudder for setting the direction, and people-to-people exchanges and economic cooperation are the engine and the fuel.

Li Zhaoxing, former foreign minister of China

China and Japan are both Asian civilizations. They have many things in common as well as disparities in development - either gives us reasons to appreciate each other.

Chen Haosu, chairman of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries

The Olympics displayed China's youthful exuberance. This has sparked a discussion among Japanese whether a middle-aged Japan can become youthful again.

Koichi Kato, chairman of Japan-China Friendship Association

We cannot just say we need better China-Japan relations. We should solve problems one by one and promote understanding. A dialogue on security issues is a good means to that end.

Kenichiro Sasae, Japanese deputy foreign minister

I don't know how my job will change in the future. Whether I continue in the ministry of defense or return to the Liberal Democratic Party, I am willing to continue to participate in this forum.

Yoshimasa Hayashi, Japanese minister of defense

Although the political relationship between China and Japan has been stormy in recent years, the friendly exchanges between our two peoples have never stopped.

Akashi Yasushi, former United Nations Under-Secretary-General

When Japanese rescuers paid their respects to Chinese victims of the Sichuan earthquake, it helped promote bilateral relations in a way that no amount of Japanese development aid to China could.

Jin Xide, senior researcher, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences

The animation industry in Wuxi ranks No 5 in China with an annual 1.3 billion yuan in output. Nearly half of it is for Japanese cartoons such as Astro Boy and Crayon Shin-chan.

Ni Bin, deputy mayor of Wuxi

To address the growing pressure on the environment, China should borrow technology and management expertise from developed countries. A market-oriented model will be the key to China-Japan cooperation on environmental protection.

Xia Zhanyou, professor, University of International Business and Economics

(China Daily 09/17/2008 page9)