Yasuhiro Nakasone, prime minister of Japan from 1982 to 1987, and a dozen members of Japan's Diet are visiting China with more than 200 others from across Japan.

Though dubbed non-governmental, this trip is in no way less important that any of Nakasone 's previous visits as Japanese head of state. The name of the group - eternal friendship - says it all.

As a career politician known for strategic insight, Nakasone understands what is lacking between his country and ours. He is here to try to narrow that gap.

At 89, Nakasone is the oldest in the delegation. There are dozens of other delegates in their 60s. Their involvement in non-governmental contacts between our two countries is admirable. They are setting fine personal examples for politicians in both countries who share genuine concern for bilateral ties.

Leaders of both countries claim they want friendship between the two nations across generational lines. Neither China nor Japan likes to see an enemy on its doorstep. But beyond the narrow strip of water between the two countries, the expanse of unfavorable mutual perception is wider and far more difficult to bridge.

Governments can do much in shaping state-to-state relations. The two governments are constantly exchanging oaths of friendship. President Hu Jintao's meeting Tuesday with the delegation demonstrated the concern for better Sino-Japanese ties on his and his comrades' minds.

But it takes multiple factors to make that goal a reality.

Sporadic stunts by some short-sighted right-wing politicians in Japan have left the Chinese people with a very negative image of their country. Such negative feelings have created a barrier to the Chinese government's efforts to repair damaged ties.

In Japan, rightist propaganda about China, in addition to intentional distortion of China's rightful appeal for Japanese authorities to face history, has also fanned unfriendly sentiments toward China.

This would not be the case if our peoples knew each other better.

If we want genuine, lasting rapport, endeavors to repair ties have to reach the heart.

There is a multitude of benefits in bringing Chinese and Japanese people together, letting them get to know each other, exchange ideas and even quarrel.

We hope our Japanese guests make friends here and learn something they did not know about China or themselves.

(China Daily June 20, 2007)