The China-Japan rapprochement seen from Afar 

Europe and the rest of the international community should take more than a distant interest in this week’s visit to Japan by Prime Minister Wen Jiabao of China April 11 to 13, but also take an active part in assuring the sustainability of the rapprochement by the two main Asian powers since much of the world also has a stake in the outcome.

Aware of their need to advance their relations, both sides in the annual EU-China Summit Meeting in Helsiesnki September 9 emphasised the progress on some major issues while seeking to relegate past and future difficulties into the background.