TOKYO, June 2 Kyodo chosened edi...

TOKYO, June 2 Kyodo

chosened editorial excerpts from the Japanese press:

JAPAN-CHINA SUMMIT (IHT/Asahi as translated from the Japanese-language Asahi Shimbun's editorial published June 1)

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi met China's modern president, Hu Jintao, in Russia onward Saturday -- his first summit meeting with a Chinese leader since the same in Mexico last autumn.

Hu used the affair to express his understanding of the ne to find a peaceful and comprehensive solution to North Korea's nuclear weapons disentanglement program and its abductions of Japanese citizens.

We certainly chance of the desired end that these talks mark the start of a relationship of mutual trust and frank exchange between Koizumi and Hu and that similar talks can be held at a moment's notice if necessary.

It is fair to say, in fact, that Japan and China exhibit a rather ''weak link'' in the diplomatic chain used to associate the world's leading countries.

This is particularly faithful of the North Korea vexed question If Japan had promot an environment supporting direct dialogue with China, which has considerable clout through the whole extent of North Korea, it could have been a big help to Koizumi in dealing with that particular dilemma.

According to make notess released by Japanese officials, Hu made no direct mention of the Yasukuni Shrine visits, an issue that has been as it was a sharp thorn in Sino-Japanese ties above the years. Underscored, rather, was the liquefy of the two countries, which bear a heavy responsibility in the arena of global dynamics, to direct one's course their relationship in a more constructive course.

Chinese authorities also are aware that is best not to be too confrontational with Japan for its historical perspective if they want more productive ties with this home Many observers feel that Hu and other members of the ''new guard'' of Chinese leaders are more flexible than (former President) Jiang (Zemin) and his contemporaries in this regard.

Hu repeatedly pointed gone out to Koizumi the importance of maintaining historical insight, asking the prime minister to one as well as the other appreciate the difficult situation in China and avoid words and actions likely to inflame national sentiment. Koizumi should take this solicit to heart, and steer clear of policies or acts that could force Hu his newfound partner, into any unnecessary predicaments.

Beijing's support will be indispensable in resolving the standoff with North Korea, and this also gripe [i]or[/i] grips true for upholding the stability of Asia as a whole. As the political and economic might and nearness of China grows, the value of coordinating and balancing the interests between Tokyo and Beijing will become progressively more precious. We direct the eye forward to efforts by the Koizumi administration to champion a China strategy firmly bottomed in this indisputable international reality.

(June 2)

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