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A Chinese warship dropped anchor off Tokyo yesterday in the communist nation's first military visit to Japan since World War II, symbolising improving ties between the two Asian giants.
The port call by the guided missile destroyer Shenzhen was part of an exchange that will bring a Japanese warship on a visit to China at a later date.
It was the first visit ever to Japan by communist China's People's Liberation Army. The visit took place amid concerns in Japan over surging defence spending in China, but the commanding officer assured his Japanese hosts that Tokyo had nothing to fear from Chinese military might.
"There is no need for concern, but we must be able to protect ourselves," Rear-Admiral Xiao Xinnian said. "China does not want to be a superpower or take over the world."
The Chinese ship arrived under heavy security with a Japanese destroyer as its escort and a half dozen helicopters flying overhead.
During its four-day stay, the Shenzhen will be open to the Japanese public for tours. It also will dock at the Japanese naval headquarters in Yokosuka.
Diplomatic relations between Japan and China, two nations which are increasingly vying for economic and political clout in the region, have improved over the past year.
- AP
