In the first speech by a Chinese leader to the Japanese parliament in 22 years, Premier Wen Jiabao yesterday envisioned bright prospects for bilateral relations but emphasized that the lessons of history must be learnt.

In his 40-minute speech carried live on TV in both countries, Wen reviewed the long history of friendship and exchanges between the two neighbors for more than 2,000 years - only to be disrupted by nearly 50 years of painful, unfortunate history.

Japan's aggression caused great suffering and tremendous human and economic losses to the Chinese people, Wen said. "The deep scars left in the hearts of the Chinese people are beyond description."

Japan's invasion of China also brought enormous suffering and pain to the Japanese people, he noted.

"While contemplating history, we can have a deeper understanding of how peace and cooperation between China and Japan are vital for the two countries and the welfare of their peoples," Wen said.

"For friendship and cooperation, we should remember and learn from historical lessons drawn from the misery of the past."

When dealing with Sino-Japanese relations, China has always advocated holding history as a mirror and looking to the future, said Wen.

"To reflect on history is not to dwell on hard feelings but to remember and learn from the past in order to open up a better future," he said, urging Japan to turn its apologies and commitments into "concrete actions".

Ensuring the future of Sino-Japanese friendship for generations to come conforms not only with the historical trend and the wishes of the two peoples, but also with the aspirations of Asia and the world as a whole, he said.

He also sought to reassure Japan about China's growing strength.

"I can take personal responsibility in telling you that China holds up the banner of peaceful development," he said.

He urged Japan to deal cautiously with the Taiwan question by recognizing its acute sensitivity, saying Beijing will not tolerate "Taiwan independence" and is firmly opposed to any form of secession.

China wants to raise Sino-Japanese relations to a new high and realize the goal of "peaceful coexistence, friendship for generations, mutually-beneficial cooperation and common development", Wen said.

To achieve the goal, the premier put forward the following principles:

enhance mutual trust and honor commitments.

seek common ground and shelve differences.

pursue common development on the basis of equality and mutual benefit.

strengthen exchanges with an eye on the future.

hold close consultations to cope with challenges.

"The development of our relations has gone through tempests and twists and turns, but the foundation of our friendship is unshakeable just like Mount Tai and Mount Fuji," Wen said, referring to famous landmarks in the two countries.

Wen's speech was received warmly by more than 400 parliamentarians.

Chikage Ogi, president of Japan's upper house, said she was excited to hear Wen's speech, saying she did not feel there was any "ice" left "to thaw" in the relationship between the two countries.

Source: Xinhua - China Daily