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Japan warship set for China visit Japan warship begins China visit
(about 5 hours later)
A Japanese warship is due to arrive in southern China for a five-day port call, the first such visit to the country since World War II. A Japanese warship has arrived in southern China for a five-day port call, the first such visit by a Japanese navy ship since World War II.
The Sazanami will be led into port in the city of Zhanjiang by the Shenzhen, the Chinese naval vessel that visited Japan last year, China Daily said. The Sazanami sailed into port in the city of Zhanjiang seven months after a Chinese warship, the Shenzhen, visited Japan.
The reciprocal port calls were agreed at a meeting last year between senior military figures from the two nations.The reciprocal port calls were agreed at a meeting last year between senior military figures from the two nations.
This one comes amid improvements in the often tense China-Japan relationship.This one comes amid improvements in the often tense China-Japan relationship.
Earlier this month, the two sides struck a deal to jointly develop gas fields both claim in the East China Sea, resolving a protracted bilateral dispute.Earlier this month, the two sides struck a deal to jointly develop gas fields both claim in the East China Sea, resolving a protracted bilateral dispute.
That agreement followed a visit to Japan in May by Chinese President Hu Jintao, the first by a Chinese leader in a decade.That agreement followed a visit to Japan in May by Chinese President Hu Jintao, the first by a Chinese leader in a decade.
The Sazanami, a destroyer, is carrying relief supplies for the victims of last month's Sichuan earthquake. 'Friendship and trust'
Three hundred blankets, more than 2,500 pre-packaged meals and hygiene masks are on board. Chinese state television showed pictures of the Sazanami, a destroyer, arriving in port.
Chinese state media played down suggestions the port-call could inflame anti-Japanese sentiment. The Japanese vessel is carrying relief supplies for the victims of last month's Sichuan earthquake.
It was "a significant diplomatic event", China Daily said, and local residents were "taking the visit calmly". The crew will hand over 300 blankets, more than 2,500 pre-packaged meals and hygiene masks during their stay.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao rejected the idea that the visit could ignite lingering anti-Japanese sentiment.
The visit would "help enhance the friendship and mutual trust between the two countries", he told a news conference in Beijing.