Relationship continues to be beset by historical and territorial disputes

The relationship between China and Japan is at a crossroads, and Japan's attitude and approach to dealing with the history of its militarist aggression can sway where the ties will head, a senior Chinese official said on Sunday at a bilateral forum.

Cai Mingzhao, minister of the State Council Information Office, said Sino-Japan diplomatic relations - which have survived 42 years of fluctuations since being normalized in the years following World War II - are supposed to be rational and mature, just like people are believed to be when in their 40s.