There is an odd phenomenon in the Sino-Japanese relationship. When the relationship is relatively good, mutual exchanges increase, but there are roiling currents underneath. But once diplomatic ties run into an impasse, the friendship between the two becomes vulnerable.

The reason is that the two haven't yet worked out the deeply rooted historical and territorial issues and lack a basis for mutual trust and mutual cooperation. There's also a lack of people who can promote friendship between the two. This is especially true in Japan.

For a long time, we have been paying attention to person-to-person diplomacy with Japan, which focuses on exchanges with the political, economic and cultural elite in Japan. The strategy was appropriate during the 1960s as the elite then played a vital role in promoting Sino-Japanese relations.

However, in the modern era, the influence of the elite has been declining. Due to the popularity of mass media, the grass roots in Japan now have a greater influence on national policies through various channels such as voting, commenting on the Internet and participating in public polls. Parties within Japan are more prone to carrying out policies favorable to voters so as to get their support.

As a result, the long-term interest of the two countries must rely on the constructive role of the public.

A country's public diplomacy toward another may meet various restraints. For example, the Japanese public hardly has any understanding of the historical and legal basis of China's claims to the Diaoyu Islands. They tend to accept the Japanese government's statements. Under such circumstances, the relationship between the two countries can barely be improved.

Education can be a way out. We could recruit more Japanese students to let them understand the history of Sino-Japanese relations. They should know about the atrocities that Japan committed. They should also know the course of the Diaoyu Islands dispute and the adaptability of legal principles to the dispute.

To make this work, we should say no to those trying to force the Japanese out of China. We should also try to attract more Japanese young people to come and study in China. More funds should be invested for Japanese students. Universities can make appropriate tuition fee cuts for them and set up historical and traditional culture courses.

By doing so, we can cultivate the right sense on values and history, and gradually change the bias current Japanese society holds against China.

The author is deputy director of the Japan Study Center at China Foreign Affairs University. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn