Ice-breaking trip: Previous Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe paid a visit to China last Oct. after a long chill under his predecessor, Junichiro Koizumi, who repeatedly visited Tokyo's Yasukuni war shrine.

Ice-thawing trip: Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao visited Japan in April, following the visit by previous Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. This was the first time a Chinese premier visited Japan in 7 years.

Ongoing Trip: Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda is in China for a four-day official visit to further improve and develop bilateral relations.

Future Trip: Chinese President Hu Jintao will pay a state visit to Japan in the spring next year to reciprocate the four-day visit by Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda.