In a bid to fortify Sino-Japanese relations, experts have underscored the imperative of mutual respect and robust people-to-people exchanges. This call comes as both nations, pivotal players in the Asia-Pacific region, grapple with escalating global challenges. Xie Fuzhan, President of the China Foundation for Human Rights Development, emphasized the extensive common interests and cooperative potential between China and Japan during the Second Forum on Sino-Japanese Friendship and People-to-People Exchanges in Beijing. He highlighted that the bilateral relationship not only impacts the two nations but also significantly influences regional and global stability. Xie urged both countries to adopt a long-term, strategic perspective, addressing historical issues with prudence and respect to foster a forward-looking relationship. Japanese Ambassador to China Kenji Kanasugi echoed this sentiment, stressing the critical role of candid dialogue in deepening mutual understanding and trust. Yuji Miyamoto, President of the Japan-China Friendship Center, lamented the decline in academic exchanges due to recent political turbulence, advocating for a deeper awareness of each other’s societies and cultures to bridge the understanding gap. Jiang Yuechun, a senior research fellow at the China Institute of International Studies, pointed out the erosion of the rules-based international order by certain countries, leading to global instability. He called for enhanced cooperation through multilateral frameworks like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership to uphold free trade and multilateralism. Despite the shifting public perceptions, both countries share vast potential for cooperation in areas such as climate change, green growth, and digital trade. Ryuji Hattori, a professor at Chuo University in Japan, highlighted the strain on China-Japan relations due to Tokyo’s evolving security policies. He emphasized the necessity of building trust through solid institutional foundations and societal-level mutual understanding. As the 80th anniversary of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression approaches, Miyamoto urged Japan to reflect on its past militarism and recognize that lasting peace and friendly cooperation are the only viable paths forward.