China and Japan will be working on high-level economic talks in Beijing this month. The two countries held a dialogue in Tokyo in 2018, for the first time in about eight years. Over the past few years, relations between the two countries have been heavily tested over territorial disputes and historical issues. However, 2019 may prove to be a turning point. 

During China's Two Sessions, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said China-Japan relations have got back on track and show a positive momentum toward improved and stronger ties, which meets the common interests of the two peoples. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend G20 leaders' meeting in Osaka this June.

In an interview with CGTN's senior correspondent Tian Wei, former Japanese prime minister Yasuo Fukuda said that China is a significant country for Japan.

"Not just because of its size, but also historically it has always been a big power, and I feel that it will continue to be and have a further influence. I think that is the view shared by all Japanese people. And this view is not just held by Japan, but also the United States or indeed other countries. Considering China's rising history, I think there are various countries that hold this view," Fukuda told CGTN.

Fukuda said that everyone is trying to imagine what the future holds for China. "I think it depends if it will be able to continue to have this stable political environment. I feel, under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, it will continue to be stable," he said.

Since there have been a lot of issues going on in the region, it is especially true when it comes to trade relations. Today, China and Japan are more closely compared on trade and economic cooperation than earlier. Fukuda stressed that regional stability is essential for the stability of China and Japan.

"And I think this signifies Japan's policy at the time was correct, which believes the stability of the region would contribute to the stability of Japan. This way of thinking is very important, and it will continue to be important. And I think China also understands that, and it is carrying out similar policies. And, I believe it's in the right direction. So now I feel that everything is going to be okay. One of the lessons may be to work on the environment surrounding China since the stability of the region would also contribute to the development of China. And I think this way of thinking would contribute to China's policy such as the Belt and Road Initiative, as well."

Speaking of the BRI, Fukuda said he believes that the  process of the BRI would not be finished in a year or two. It will take a long time and it's likely that, in the end, the world can cooperate on this platform.