Early 2000s  - Cooling down

By 2001 China's international trade was the sixth-largest in the world. Over the next several years it was expected to be just under Japan, the fourth largest.

On May 10, 2000, Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan paid an official visit to Japan.

On May 20, 2000, President Jiang Zemin met with over 5000 Japan- China Cultural and Tourist Exchange Mission made up of various circles of Japan, and delivered an important speech on the development of non-governmental friendly relations between the two countries.

On June 7, 2000, Vice-Premier Qian Qichen attended Late Japanese Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi's funeral held by the Japanese government as special envoy of the Chinese government.

On August 28, 2000, Japanese Foreign Minister Yohei Kono paid an official visit to China at invitation.

On October 12, 2000, Premier Zhu Rongji visited Japan officially.

On October 8, Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi paid a working visit to China.

On November 21, 2001, President Jiang Zemin met with Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi who was attending APEC meeting held at Shanghai.