In a sign of continuously warming relations between Beijing and Tokyo, Japanese naval forces are reportedly expected to send warships on a courtesy visit to Qingdao next April, to take part in the parade to mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the People's Liberation Army's Navy.

In reference to the planned visit, the first of its kind in seven years, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said on Wednesday that more military exchanges between the two countries are beneficial for both sides to "properly handle disputes and consolidate mutual trust in security".

The move toward restoring normal military contacts comes as the two sides have just concluded consultations on the creation of a maritime and air liaison mechanism to help avoid any misunderstanding or misjudgment. The two countries are yet to resolve the territorial dispute over the Diaoyu Islands in East China Sea, and the liaison mechanism will be an effective means of reducing the risks of any untoward incident happening.

For the two close neighbors, nothing can better commemorate the 40th anniversary of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship this year than their markedly improved ties, the outcome of the leaders of both countries seeking common ground with a view to the future.

However, the intensifying competition between China and the United States is complicating the situation in Asia. As are the concerns of India, which viewing China as a security threat is trying to strengthen ties with Japan. Tokyo should bear in mind that deepening Japan's economic cooperation and its political dialogue with China and working to maintain peace and stability in the region is the best way to serve Japan's economic and security interests.

As the world's second- and third-largest economies, China and Japan can only gain by focusing on collaboration, especially in an era of turbulent global economy that is being threatened by the rising tide of protectionism and anti-globalization.

By putting aside their differences and deepening their engagement, the two countries can set a positive example for the region by rejecting the selfishly transactional approach of the US in favor of joint efforts to promote an Asian community with a shared future.

They should seek to speed up talks on the three-country free trade agreement with the Republic of Korea and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, and take advantage of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative to jointly pursue infrastructure projects in countries along the routes. The lack of infrastructure remains a bottleneck for development in Asia.

Despite the complex regional situation and the attendant uncertainties, Chinese and Japanese leaders should endeavor to build on the hard-won improvement in their relations.