Chinese Premier Li Keqiang is paying an official visit to Japan, at the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. He also attends the 7th China-Japan-South Korea leaders' meeting. It shows Beijing's determined efforts to bring bilateral ties back on track. Zheng Yibing has more.

Landing in Tokyo, this is the first time a Chinese premier has visited Japan in eight years. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang arrived with the aim of building good ties between the neighbors. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the signing of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship. Li's trip provides an important opportunity for improving bilateral relations.

GAO HONG PROFESSOR, CHINESE ACADEMY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES "The visit will break the ice between the two neighbors, and contribute to the two sides' efforts to reanimate relations. This is what we expect most."

Bilateral ties reached a low point in 2012, due to Tokyo's provocative moves on territorial and historical issues. The downward trend began to reverse itself in late 2014, when the two sides reached a four-point agreement on handling relations. Last year, trade between the two sides returned to above the $300 billion dollar mark, while personnel exchanges increased to a record high of 10 million. Tokyo has also recently expressed its openness to the Beijing-proposed Belt and Road Initiative.

RONG YING VICE PRESIDENT, CHINA INSTITUTE OF INT'L STUDIES "And next, both countries should keep the momentum going, and more importantly, find engines for concrete cooperation and development in many fields."

In March, the Chinese premier said improving bilateral ties requires not just the right atmosphere, but also vision and commitment from both sides. Experts say that approach has great significance to both countries, as well as for regional cooperation and prosperity.

ZHENG YIBING BEIJING "As the Chinese Foreign Ministry said, Premier Li Keqiang's official visit will further consolidate the improving momentum, push ties back on the normal track, and chart the future development of bilateral relations. And that needs common efforts from both sides. Zheng Yibing, CGTN, Beijing."