This year marks the 40th anniversary of the normalization of the diplomatic relations between China and Japan. The relationship is at a crossroad. And we need to think carefully about how we progress.

In 1972, normalization of the diplomatic relations between China and Japan served common interests. The foundation of the cooperation between the two had a solid base.

But four decades later, the problems left over by the Cold War, World War II, and even earlier events haven't been resolved.

Although economic cooperation between China and Japan has developed on an unprecedented scale, regional cooperation is still feeling its way into a new pattern.

Asia has shown its ability to develop economically. But GDP alone is not enough. This is a critical moment of Asian development. We need to think, innovate, lead and influence the world.

China and Japan, the two biggest countries in East Asia, are going through a period of strategic development. The advancement of Sino-Japanese relations is in the common interests of both sides.

We should grasp the rules of Sino-Japanese relations. The pattern of state-to-state relations and international competition and the working principles of the international system have changed a lot. We are living in a new international era. Our knowledge of international affairs has increased, but our way of thinking is still the same as it was during the Cold War era.

After 9/11 attack, George W. Bush, then US president, said, "You are either with us, or against us." This is a Manichean outlook. The reality is just the opposite. There are more and more intermediate zones between "black" and "white."

Sino-Japanese relations are developing on a dual track. Economic interdependence between the two is deepening, while mutual trust in political and security areas is very poor. Due to historical and practical reasons, this situation is likely to last for some time.

At this time, we should grasp the overall situation, including control of hot and sensitive issues. Also, cooperation should be enhanced in spite of disputes.

Sino-Japanese relations have a long history and are also very complex. Since the Taika era reforms, which were introduced by the Japanese emperor Kotoku in 645, every significant turn in Japan has been relevant to China.

Likewise, China's fate in modern times has been inseparable from the Japanese factor. China and Japan have both a history of friendly contacts and a history of invasion and resisting invasion. This has had a great effect on Sino-Japanese relations.

The complexities of Sino-Japanese relations determine the two sides' strategic importance to the other.

For China, Sino-Japanese relations are not only an important part of the neighboring relationship, but also an integral part of multilateral relations.

Due to the special complexities of Sino-Japanese relations, they have a demonstrative impact on China's relationships with other neighboring countries.

China and Japan are the two most important countries in Asia. The connotations of the bilateral relationship are far more important than the disputes over the East China Sea and the Diaoyu Islands.

The Pacific is broad enough to admit the presence of both China and the US. Although the East China Sea is not as broad as the Pacific, China and Japan can still develop there as long as they give up old ideas and deepen cooperation.

Although both traditional threats and non-traditional threats have influenced Sino-Japanese relations, I am not pessimistic. The development potential of the relations is derived from these non-traditional factors and the new trends.

Both sides should be clear about their development strategy and the other's strategic position. They should also accurately communicate their ideas to the other.

Moreover, hot issues should be controlled effectively and settled properly.

The long-term stability of Sino-Japanese relations demands strenuous efforts.

The article was compiled by Global Times reporter Shu Meng based on a speech made by Yang Bojiang, a professor at the University of International Relations, at a seminar held by Institute of Japanese Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences on August 29-30. shumeng@globaltimes.com.cn