Kazuo Ogura, advisor to the Japan International Exchange Foundation, delivers a speech at the Beijing-Tokyo Forum in Beijing on Sunday, calling for Japan and China to join hands together to outline a blueprint for Asia. [Photo by Zou Hong/chinadaily.com.cn]

Kazuo Ogura, advisor to the Japan International Exchange Foundation, called for Japan and China to join hands together to outline a blueprint for Asia at the Beijing-Tokyo Forum in Beijing.

The veteran diplomat said China has been the victim of colonialism and militarism so China's neighbors should realize that it is natural for China to be sensitive to safety and attach importance to defense.

China and the Chinese people do not have a history of threatening or acting aggressively, he said.

He also said that China is facing the challenge of adjusting itself to shoulder international responsibility as a world power while also being a developing country.

"Neighbors should understand this difficult situation and help address the issue during China's transition," he said.

Kazuo Ogura also said China and Japan should sit on the same side of the table, instead of facing each other as opponents.