Japan still has work to do

Other Views

A series of diplomatic moves, including the newly reached consensus between the two countries and pushing to meet President Xi Jinping, have shown that Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has pulled back a little from his previous stance. His Cabinet is under pressure from Japan's recession, the discontent of the United States, as well as worsening relations with almost all the country's main neighbors in East Asia. There was hardly any choice left for Abe except to improve ties with China.

Yang Bojiang, a researcher at the Institute of Japanese Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, wenweipo.com, Nov 10

While the short meeting between the Chinese and Japanese leaders makes it possible for mutual relations to rebound from their lowest point, its long-term influence remains to be seen. Whether China and Japan can resume friendly relations will primarily depend on Japan's future moves, especially on the long-standing problem of Japanese politicians' attitude toward history.

huanqiu.com, Nov 10

The meeting between Xi and Abe has actually confirmed their diplomatic breakthrough, namely the newly reached consensus about having different opinions on the Diaoyu Islands. Besides, Japanese media, especially those supporting the government, have long constructed China's image in a negative way, so the meeting is expected to correct the misconception. But the future direction of the Sino-Japanese relationship is still uncertain.

Gao Hong, a researcher at the Institute of Japanese Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, CCTV News, Nov 10

Rebuilding trust between the long-time rivals will not be easy. In a sign that the fundamental problem will not be resolved easily, Abe has previously said that there has been no change in Japan's stance on the islands at the heart of the territorial dispute, while China's top diplomat, Yang Jiechi, urged Japan to properly address sensitive issues such as history and the islands.

reuters.com, Nov 10

Almost one week preceding President Xi Jinping's meeting with Shinzo Abe, the Japanese media started speculating about the possibility. Actually, a more meaningful discussion should be over how Japan became so isolated and what its leaders should do to improve relations with its neighbors.

china.com.cn, Nov 10