Japanese and Chinese history scholars held a fourth joint study meeting Thursday in Tokyo with an aim at promoting understanding between the two countries.

During the meeting, experts from both countries exchanged opinions on the interpretations of historical issues, including those during World War II.

They also discussed the contents of the final report of their three-year studies.

The Japanese research team is headed by Shinichi Kitaoka, a professor at the University of Tokyo, and the Chinese team is led by Bu Ping, director of the Institute of Modern History of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

The joint history studies were launched in October 2006 with an agreement between Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese President Hu Jintao.

The panel began with a total of 10 researchers and scholars from both countries, with the plan to report its findings by the end of 2008, the 30th anniversary of the bilateral peace treaty.

However, the release of the findings have been postponed.

The Japan-China ties have improved remarkably in recent years after frequent high-level mutual visits and dialogues. The new Democratic Party of Japan government said it attached great importance to bilateral ties with China.

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