The leaders of China and Japan yesterday agreed to step up talks to reach an early deal on the disputes over gas fields in the East China Sea.
"Prospects for settling the disputes are already in view," President Hu Jintao told a press conference after a summit meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda.
"We have decided to continue consultations to reach an agreement as soon as possible," Hu said.
Fukuda said the two sides are beginning to see the larger picture in solving the issue.
Hu, the first Chinese president to visit Japan since 1998, said bilateral ties are at a new starting point after several years in the cold.
As a gesture of goodwill, he said China would lend Japan a pair of giant pandas.
"China and Japan have no other way but to take the path of peace, friendship and cooperation," Hu said.
Fukuda echoed Hu's remarks, saying it is important for the leaders of the two countries to reach consensus on the development of bilateral ties.
During the morning summit, Hu and Fukuda agreed to establish a mechanism for regular visits by the leaders, promote cooperation in trade and environmental protection, enhance youth exchanges and strengthen defense communication.
Fukuda said Japan wishes every success for the Beijing Olympics. Its hosting of the Games is reminiscent of the Tokyo event in 1964, at which time, construction in the capital marked Japan's emergence on the world stage, he said.
Fukuda has yet to announce his decision, however, on whether he will attend the Games' opening ceremony.
Hu also said China places great importance on food safety and people's health, saying the two countries will continue to jointly investigate the contaminated Chinese dumplings.
Also yesterday, Hu addressed Japanese businessmen at a lunch.
"China's rapid economic growth will create a larger space for bilateral economic cooperation," he said, adding there is great potential for trade partnerships.
Questions:
1. Which area is often the scene of disputes between China and Japan?
2. When did the last Chinese president visit Japan?
3. As a gesture of goodwill, what did Hu say China would lend Japan?
Answers:
1. The East China Sea.
2. 1998.
3. A pair of giant pandas.
（英語(yǔ)點(diǎn)津 Helen 編輯）
About the broadcaster:
Brendan joined The China Daily in 2007 as a language polisher in the Language Tips Department, where he writes a regular column for Chinese English Language learners, reads audio news for listeners and anchors the weekly video news in addition to assisting with on location stories. Elsewhere he writes Op’Ed pieces with a China focus that feature in the Daily’s Website opinion section.
He received his B.A. and Post Grad Dip from Curtin University in 1997 and his Masters in Community Development and Management from Charles Darwin University in 2003. He has taught in Japan, England, Australia and most recently China. His articles have featured in the Bangkok Post, The Taipei Times, The Asia News Network and in-flight magazines.
