Increased cooperation between China and Japan

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's first official visit to Beijing has clearly highlighted an erosion between the former enemy countries of China and Japan. Mr Abes' comment marked the beginning of a "historic turning point" as both countries were able to present closer cooperation in a number of areas.

This is a remarkable change in the sensitive relationship between the two largest Asian economies. The invasion of China by Japan during the Second World War had already poisoned its relations. It has not improved since the nationalized Senkaku archipelago, organized in 2012 by Japan, is considered Chinese territory by China, in the East China Sea. Then freeze the relationship at the lower levels. Huge protests have fallen on China and Japanese companies have canceled their investment plans in the country.

But now they need both one and the other. Since the United States under Trump has introduced high tariffs into trade, their economic relations are becoming increasingly important. China needs new friends when exports to the United States are hampered by tariffs. And for Japan, China is the main trading partner of the country and Chinese tourists are a major source of revenue.

At present, the two parties have agreed on a monetary agreement guaranteeing financial stability. At the same time, more than 500 trade agreements were concluded between Japanese and Chinese companies worth $ 18 billion.

– From competition to cooperation. Our relationship is entering a new phase, Abe said at a press conference.

Previous bitters Amongst other things, competitors aim to collaborate to develop infrastructure in Asia, such as building a railroad in Southeast Asia. China hopes that Japan will be behind the country's new secondary road, a multi-billion dollar project in which China hopes to ship goods by land and sea on three continents. The project has been criticized for having more ambitious intentions than for economic reasons and for obliging the indebted countries to accumulate even more debt, so that important infrastructures end up in the hands of Chinese people.

During the visit, Abe avoided mentioning the project, but reiterated that Japan believed that projects in poor countries should be transparent and not force countries to blame too much.