By Chong Zi and Qin Jize (China Daily)
Updated: 2008-05-09 06:58

Chinese President Hu Jintao (2nd R) signs an autograph for Japanese table tennis player Ai Fukuhara (R) as Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda (2nd L) signs for Chinese table tennis player Wang Nan (L) after the opening ceremony of the 2008 Japan-China youth friendly exchange year at the Waseda University in Tokyo, capital of Japan, May 8, 2008. [Xinhua]

In his speech, broadcast live on Japan's NHK public television, Hu said: "The two countries should be partners, not competitors. One's growth can be the other's opportunity, not a threat."

On Japan's war of aggression on China in the 1930s and '40s, Hu said: "This unfortunate history not only caused tremendous suffering to the Chinese people but also gravely hurt the Japanese people."

Chinese President Hu Jintao (C), Japanese table tennis player Ai Fukuhara (R) and Chinese table tennis player Wang Nan (L) pose for photograph at Waseda University's Okuma Garden House in Tokyo May 8, 2008. [Agencies]

It is important for both countries to remember history, but it does not mean holding grudges, he said.

"The friendship between the two countries depends on the younger generation."

A group of 200 young Chinese are accompanying Hu's entourage as part of the youth exchange between the two countries, said Ni Jian, director of the Liaison Office of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Youth League, who heads the delegation.

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