A Chinese official announced on June 3^rd that a Japanese naval ship was to make an imminent visit to China – the first time that a boat operated by the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force has done so.

The announcement was made by Qin Gang, a spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, during a press conference held today.

Japanese Self Defence Forces

In line with a post-war constitution, Japan is prohibited from operating an active military force, but it does have airborne, seaborne and land-based forces that would be used solely for self defence.

Japanese/ Chinese Relations

During the conference, Qin spoke of the need for stronger Japanese/ Chinese relations.

"China and Japan should strive together to enhance exchanges between their two peoples to strengthen friendship", he said.

"This visit will help promote exchanges and cooperation between the two countries' defence departments.”

Both countries, he added, were working on establishing a firm date for the visit, as well as discussing other related factors.

Chinese Warship Visit

The visit would follow that made by a Chinese warship to Japan in November 2007.

Sichuan Earthquake Flight

More recently, however, a planned aid flight by a Japanese Air Self Defence Force transport aircraft into China’s Sichuan province – hit by an earthquake last month – fell through.

Beijing and Tokyo first agreed to send naval vessels to each other’s countries in 2001, but it took some time to suppress the emotions lingering from past military actions – hence the initial visit did not take place until last year.

Military Expansion

Japan, however, remains concerned about China’s military expansion, although China itself is adamant that its modernisation efforts are concerned with self-defence.

China, meanwhile, has concerns over Japanese plans to develop the role its forces currently play.

Source – Armed Forces International’s Far East Correspondent

Recent related News Items:

Chinese Warship Visit -

Chinese Warship on History-Making Visit to Japan

Japanese Aid Flight/ Chinese Earthquake -

Japanese Military Aid Flight into China Put Off: Official

Japan Preparing to Fly Earthquake Aid into China

Troops, Helicopters in Chinese Earthquake Rescues

Chinese Military Expansion -

China Announces 18 Per Cent Rise in Military Spending

Japanese Military -

Japan Passes Military Space Law

Japan Trials Missile Defence System for Tokyo

Japan Carries Out Ballistic Missile Shoot-Down Test

Japan to Develop Home-grown Stealth Fighter