China-EU relations are less complicated. When the EU negotiates with China on economic issues, it isn’t clouded by the Taiwan question or security fears.

The statement shows that the talks have got a clearer focus and are drawing closer to the actual actions.

On the one hand, Japan realizes relations between the two countries should not proceed in their current state; on the other, some Japanese choose not to give up their incorrect view of history.

Despite China’s request, Koizumi insisted on his visit to the shrine, which not only resulted in suspended high-level contacts but also brought new difficulties to the meeting between the two countries’ leaders on multilateral occasions.

China-Japan relationship deteriorated rather than improved over the year, and the deterioration trend will move on.

China isn’t interested in making relations any more complicated than they already are. China isn’t trying to challenge America’s No. 1 status in the world.