Much to learn from Japan's disaster on nuclear programme

Facing natural disasters, China and Japan endure misfortune together' - the headline of an article in the overseas edition of the People's Daily yesterday. China's rapid show of sympathy and offer of help in the wake of Japan's terrible earthquake and tsunami will surely help to improve bilateral relations between the rival Asian giants.

The prospect of joining hands to deal with the catastrophe will also provide a unique opportunity for the countries to set aside their long-running territorial and historical disputes and overcome narrow-minded nationalism to build mutual trust and elevate ties to a new level.

Chinese leaders reacted quickly to the disaster. Premier Wen Jiabao phoned Prime Minister Naoto Kan to offer condolences and help. A 15-member Chinese rescue team landed in Tokyo yesterday and was on the way to the disaster zone. The mainland's Red Cross has pledged 1 million yuan (HK$1.18 million). It is worth noting that Defence Minister Liang Guanglie also called his Japanese counterpart, Toshimi Kitazawa, to offer 'necessary assistance'.

Mainland media, blamed in the past for inciting anti-Japanese sentiment, have this time played up sympathy for the Japanese victims and how mainlanders are impressed by the response of the Japanese people - organised, orderly and well-trained in the face of the quake.

'I burst into tears when I saw the catastrophic scenes on TV. Japanese people are not alone while fighting against the natural disaster. Best wishes to them,' Xinhua quoted National People's Congress deputy Wang Xiaolin as saying.

The People's Daily article recalled how the Japanese government and people offered help after 2008's deadly earthquake in Sichuan .