October 2018 marks the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the People's Republic of China (PRC) and Japan. Whether it will turn into an unforgettable celebration remains unknown.

At a meeting on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum organised on September 11-13 in Vladivostok, Russia, an important development took place. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to improve their long-strained relationship. Due to tensions over the disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands, which had reached a climax back in 2012, bilateral relations advanced only very cautiously. However, there is the possibility that this recent thaw can be crowned with Abe’s expected visit to China on October 23. By hosting Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in May, Japan was able to end a decade-long break. Xi is also expected to realise his first official visit to China against the background of the G20 Summit next year.