Japan's Prime Minister Aso attends welcoming ceremony in Beijing

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) and Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso listen to their respective national anthems during a welcoming ceremony in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on April 29, 2009. The pair pledged Wednesday to establish a stronger foundation for cooperation between the historic Asian rivals amid global economic and health crises. (UPI Photo/Stephen Shaver)