On May 8, 2008, Chinese President Hu Jintao delivered an important speech at Japan's Waseda University. Hu said that China and Japan were close neighbors separated only by a narrow strip of water. The bilateral relationship was standing at a new historical starting point and facing new opportunities for further development. The Chinese government and people sincerely hope to join hands with the Japanese government to enhance mutual trust, strengthen friendship, deepen cooperation, plan the future and work for new prospects for the strategic and mutually beneficial relations between the two countries.

Hu said, "In order to boost the long-term, healthy and stable development of China-Japan relations and develop the friendship from generation to generation, we should increase the understanding of each other." Hu also introduced the development course of China from both historical and realistic perspectives.

Hu reviewed and summarized the development course and the remarkable achievements of China in the past 3 decades since reform and opening up. He stressed, "During the course of practicing the reform and opening up policies, we are deeply aware that in a world where the competition gets increasingly intense, a country or a nation, if to prosper, has to be committed to reform, development and openness, put people first, and promote harmony."

Hu said, "China always adheres to the path of peaceful development, which is a strategic choice made by the Chinese government and people based upon the reality of China and the trend of the times. This strategic choice is an embodiment of the harmonization of China's domestic and foreign polices and the harmonization of the interests of the Chinese people with the interest of the people in the world. It is the only way to the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Talking of the history of friendly exchanges between the people, Hu pointed out that in the long historical course the people of China and Japan learned from each other and communicated with each other, which promoted the development and progress of the two countries and enriched the civilization in East Asia and the civilization of the world. In modern times, the militarism of Japan launched the invasion war against China, which devastated the friendly ties between the two countries. This unfortunate history caused frightful calamities to the Chinese people and great sufferings to the Japanese people too. History is the most philosophical textbook. The reason that we keep on emphasizing on not forgetting the history is not to continue enmity, but to take the history as the mirror, face the future, cherish and maintain peace, keep the friendship from generation to generation and let the people in the world have lasting peace.

Hu pointed out that since the normalization of bilateral ties in 1972, bilateral ties have witnessed substantial progresses in various fronts. The improvement and development of bilateral ties has brought tangible benefits to the people and contributed significantly to the peace and development of Asia and the world at large. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the signing of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship. China-Japan relations are standing at a new historical starting point and facing new opportunities for further development.

Hu pointed out that as economic globalization develops further, China and Japan share more common interests, more room for cooperation, and more responsibilities in regional and international affair. " I had a productive meeting with Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda. We reached consensus on deepening the strategic relationship of mutual benefits in an all-round manner and identified the general framework for the long-term, healthy and stable development of bilateral ties. We both agreed that the two sides should make joint efforts to enhance strategic trust of each other, expand cultural and educational exchanges, promote the rejuvenation of Asia, tackle global challenges together and advance the strategic relationship of mutual benefits." Hu shared with the audience his views on these topics.

Talking of the Beijing Olympic Games, Hu said that the Chinese people sincerely hope to make the Beijing Olympic Games a success. The slogan of the Beijing Olympics is "One World, One Dream". With this slogan, we hope to carry forward the Olympic spirit of solidarity, friendship and peace and enhance the understanding and friendship among the people in the world through the Beijing Olympic Games.

Hu expressed his sincere hope at the end of his speech that the Chinese and Japanese people work, hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder, for a brighter tomorrow for China-Japan relations and for a more beautiful future of the world on the stage of consolidating bilateral cooperation, rejuvenating Asia, and promoting the peace and development of the world.

As one of the most famous private universities in Japan, Waseda University was founded in 1882. It is the first Japanese university accepting the Chinese students. Waseda University has maintained close exchange and cooperation with Chinese educational institutions for many years.