Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi was met with prickly questions from a reporter of Japan's NHK at Sunday's press conference. The reporter asked if China would like to invite Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for a military parade marking the 70th anniversary of the end of WWII. Besides, he asked if China keeps using historical issues as a pretext for vilifying Japan's contributions to world peace after the war, and even said that China should be more tolerant as a major power.

Minister Wang's answer, however, was full of confidence and composure. He pointed out that China welcomes all guests as long as they are willing to come. He also stressed that Japan shouldn't lose its conscience after losing the war.

Wang's response has soon drawn a round of applause from Chinese public discourse. Given a thumbs-up by the public, his reasonable argument and repose, from another perspective, represents a change of mindset among the Chinese, who were often impulsive in face of the historical enmity, but are now principled, discerning and rational.

China has been assigned a "nationalist" label. However, if so, Wang's answers to the demanding reporter would have been aggressive so that the nationalist audiences could be satisfied.

In fact, China has grown even-tempered, which makes its diplomatic moves more insightful and peaceful. Wang said that China will explore a path featuring cooperation and mutual benefits to become a major power with Chinese characteristics. This is not only a blueprint devised by the top leadership, but also a belief shared by the public.

The Chinese public finds Japan irksome but only in terms of historical issues and its aggressive China policy. However, the Chinese value a close relationship with Japanese society. They visit Japan on shopping sprees even at the height of political tensions between both governments.

In the face of provocations, the Chinese are becoming less irritable and agitated. Society, when dealing with external affairs, has also started to show plenty of tenacity, by which China is more committed to assuming its international responsibilities.

As of now, China and Japan are still engaged in a historical antagonism, but China is becoming more and more patient, while Japan tends to be more agitated.

If the enmity continues, it will definitely end up in a no-win situation. However, China will be more adaptable than Japan, which must decide whether it wants to lay down the burdens of its history for good.

China's diplomatic network is growing stronger. China's advocacy for cooperation and mutual benefits might be undervalued, but it is still a promising vision. Whoever opposes this vision, sooner or later, will have to embrace it.