BEIJING, Nov. 29 -- The arrival of the Chinese People's Liberation Army's
Luhai-class missile destroyer Shenzhen at Harumi wharf near downtown Tokyo
yesterday is a positive addition to the military exchange between China and
Japan.
This is the first Chinese warship to have visited Japan since the People's
Republic of China was founded in 1949.
The warship's voyage from Zhanjiang in South China to Harumi is not far but
extraordinary. It heralds a new stage of the defense exchange between the two
countries.
During Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan's visit to Japan in August, the two
countries reached consensus on expanding military exchanges. The noticeable
achievements included the decision to negotiate a military hotline to ease
tensions and react to potential crisis, exchange visits by high-ranking defense
officials, port calls by warships, and observation of military exercises.
Rear Admiral Xiao Xinnian, deputy commander of the South China Sea Fleet,
is commanding the Chinese warship and is expected to meet with officials from
Japan's Defense Ministry, Foreign Ministry and Maritime Self-Defense Force.
Staying at Harumi for four days, the warship is open to the public. A
military band on board will give an open air performance in downtown Tokyo.
The trip will enable naval officers and soldiers to talk face-to-face with
their Japanese counterparts.
This is important for the two countries, especially the armies, to build
trust and confidence.
In a sense, Shenzhen's visit to Japan is another significant step in the
bilateral relations.
Two important countries that carry weight in Asia, China and Japan should
move their relations to a healthier and more stable level.
The Chinese warship's Japan visit, which was an out-of-bounds area for a
long time, is of great significance to the mutually beneficial strategic
relationship.
The bilateral relations still need care from Chinese and Japanese leaders
as they are not free from discords.
During his Japan trip, Cao proposed that the defense exchanges between the
two neighbors be put on a strategic level as they help build mutual trust and
long-term friendship.
Shenzhen's visit to Japan is supposed to start the
confidence-building process and raise expectations. It is an encouraging sign.
(Source: China Daily)
