 Anchor: This year marks the 30th anniversary of the signing of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship. People from all circles in Japan say enhancing non-governmental exchange and cooperation serves as the base to develop Sino-Japanese ties. Shuang Feng has more.
Reporter:
The Japan-China Friendship Centre is one of the groups in Japan that have been promoting Sino-Japanese friendship since the two countries established diplomatic relations 36 years ago.
In recent years, the Centre has been working to organize a youth exchange between the two sides.
Wu Xiyong, Chinese Representative with the group, says although China and Japan are not far from each other geographically, the understanding between young people from the two sides is limited.
"Before the exchange visits started, young visitors were worried about being treated coldly in the foreign country. But after exchange programs like home stay and visiting local schools, their doubts were removed by the friendly and warm local people."
Tatsumi Murakami, Director General of the Friendship Centre, says Youth Exchange plays an important role in promoting relations. He hopes the youth in both countries will expand exchanges and increase mutual trust.
"We are planning to establish an integrated communication department to promote cooperation between NGOs and the governments. This way, we can further develop the youth exchange between the two countries."
This year marks the China-Japan Friendly Exchange Year of the Youth. The two sides have held exchange activities in the fields of culture, academy, environmental protection and technology.
China and Japan have agreed to exchange visits of 4000 Chinese and Japanese youths every year from 2008.
Gaohong, an expert from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, hopes the bilateral friendship will continue with the younger generation.
"In terms of state-to-state relations, young people will take the responsibility of further developing bilateral relations in the future. It is important for them to have a correct, deep and realistic view of the other side when they are young."
Shuangfeng, CRI news.
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