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Groups representing both Chinese and Japanese interests have been meeting in more frequency over the past few weeks in an attempt to try to ease tensions between the two countries. The latest meeting has been between Tang Jiaxuan, head of the China-Japan Friendship Association and Tomiichi Murayama, a former Japanese Prime Minister. Tang Jiaxuan, also a former Chinese foreign minister, has told his visitor it's in the two sides' interest to maintain the healthy development of bilateral ties. For his part, Murayama says he hopes his visit to China can enhance communication between the two peoples and governments. "The relationship between China and Japan doesn't only relate to the two countries, but also affects the peace and stabilization of Asia. I hope our two countries can develop dialogues in more areas including economy," Murayama became the first Japanese prime minister to publicly apologize for Japan wartime past in 1995 as part of a speech marking the 50th anniversary of the end of the war. Yang Xiyu with the China Institute of International Studies says Murayama's visit has its unique value and effect. "Firstly, Murayama's visit shows that he himself as an influential politician, wishes to stabilize the bilateral relationship. Secondly, his coming out of retirement and visiting China personally signals that his speech will be upheld, and whether Murayama's speech will be upheld or not is a test stone when judging Japanese government's attitude towards the Sino-Japanese relationship and history." | 
