Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie met Thursday in Beijing with a delegation of Japan's Forum on China's Politics and Economy led by chief representative Furusho Koichi.
Liang said the Sino-Japanese relations, including exchanges in defense areas, have made significant headways in recent years, which has increased mutual trust and created a favorable atmosphere for the comprehensive development of the strategic and mutually beneficial relations between the two countries.
"The situation has not come easy and needs to be cherished and safeguarded," said Liang.
He said China is ready to work with Japan to properly handle existing issues or differences between two the two countries in line with the principles and spirit set forth in the four bilateral political documents, boost mutual understanding and trust and promote the healthy and stable development of bilateral ties including defense relations, through the pursuit of exchanges in various areas and at different levels.
Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie (R, front) meets with former Chief of Staff of Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) of Japan Furusho Koichi (L, front) who leads a delegation of Japan's Forum on China's Politics and Economy, in Beijing, China, May 21, 2009. (Xinhua Photo) Furusho Koichi, who was also the former Chief of Staff of Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) of Japan, said his delegation is here to see for themselves the changes and development of China.
Koichi spoke highly of the defense exchanges and cooperation between the two countries over recent years.
He suggested the two sides enhance exchanges among young officers to increase mutual trust and advance strategic and mutually beneficial relations.
Koichi congratulated Liang on the forthcoming 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
The delegation arrived Tuesday as guests of the China Association for International Friendly Contacts. The forum was formed by retired senior officers of Japan's self-defense forces and has sent 31 delegations to China.
Source: Xinhua
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