Japanese PM visits China

Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda begins his visit to China today. He says his trip will help promote mutual understanding and open a path for the development of true friendship.

During the four-day official visit, Fukuda will have separate meetings with Chinese President Hu Jintao, China's top legislator Wu Bangguo and his Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao. He is scheduled to make a speech at Beijing University and will also visit Qufu in east China's Shandong Province.

Ahead of his visit, Fukuda said he is encouraged by the development of bilateral ties.

Yasuo Fukuda said, "There was, indeed, a winter period in Japan's relationship with China. But now, ties with China have improved and I hope they will get even better, creating a relationship of mutual trust and cooperation."

High-level visits between the two countries had been halted for around five years, due to former Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's repeated visits to the Yasukuni Shrine. Fukuda has promised not to visit the shrine during his time in office.