Japan navy destroyer on first China visit since WWII

Source: Xinhua | 06-25-2008 09:07

ZHANJIANG, Guangdong, June 24 (Xinhua) -- A Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer arrived here Tuesday, starting a five-day visit to China.

Lieutenant General Su Shiliang (L), commander of China's South Sea Fleet, gestures while welcoming Major-Gen. Shinichi Tokumaru (R) of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force after the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer arrived in Zhangjiang, south China's Guangdong Province on Tuesday, June 24, 2008.(Xinhua Photo)

"Sazanami" with its 240-member crew, is the first Japanese warship to visit China since World War II.

The destroyer with 4,650 standard tonnage, set off from Hiroshima on voyage for a return visit; the Chinese missile destroyer "Shenzhen" docked in Japan late last year.

A welcoming ceremony was held for the ship's arrival in Zhanjiang in the southern Guangdong Province, along with a transfer ceremony marking the delivery of quake aid from the Japanese Defense Ministry and Self Defense Forces.

The materials, including food, blankets, hygiene masks, disinfectant and other items, will be unloaded by Wednesday and then travel to the quake zone by train.

"The visit is a sign of the friendly ties between the Chinese people and the Japanese people," Lieutenant General Su Shiliang, commander of China's South Sea Fleet, told a press conference after the ceremony.