Japan is preparing to carry out an aid flight into China, it has emerged.

The aircraft itself - a Japanese Air Self Defence Force (JASDF) C-130 Hercules - will deliver supplies intended for victims of the earthquake that hit the country earlier this month.

The flight, however, has some controversy surrounding it. According to some reports, it could go down unfavourably with the older generation of Chinese residents.

Sichuan Province

The earthquake itself struck the province of Sichuan on May 12^th. According to the latest available figures, it killed over 68,000, and displaced five million more.

Japanese television has been broadcasting images dating back to World War Two, and showing Japanese aircraft attacking locations near to where the earthquake occurred. According to the same coverage, the planned flight will be first of its kind to take place since the war's end.

Japanese military officials are scheduled to visit China soon to discuss the flight.

Military Transport

Ministers in Japan, meanwhile, are emphasising that China requested certain supplies - blankets and tents among them - accepting that it would be the military that would transport them into the country.

It does seem, however, that Japan's involvement will be confined to bringing the aid into China, and not, subsequently, involve distributing it around.

Second World War Veterans

The flight, providing it does go ahead, will be of monumental significance.

Some will regard it as indicative of closer ties between Japan and China.

Others, however, may take offence, particular Second World War veterans.

Source - Armed Forces International's Far East Correspondent

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