Wen Jiabao, China’s premier, has used a landmark speech to Japanese legislators to urge both countries to strive to overcome the wartime history that has bedevilled recent ties to build a mutually beneficial relationship.

In the first address by a Chinese leader to Japan’s parliament in more than 20 years, Mr Wen gave unusually forthright recognition of the “deep soul-searching and apologies” offered by Japanese leaders for past aggression. However, in comments broadcast live in both Japan and China, he asked Tokyo to take “concrete action” to back up its apologies.