Japanese PM, Chinese defense minister meet to enhance ties

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-11-27 21:58

TOKYO - Visiting Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie met Friday Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama for deepening Japan-China mutual trust and exchanges.

Hatoyama said since he became the Prime Minister two months ago, he had met Chinese leaders Hu Jintao and Wen Jiabao many times. Japan and China endeavor to strengthen cooperation not only in economy, but also in defense and many other areas, which is helpful for both bilateral ties and regional and world peace.

Liang responded that China holds a positive attitude towards the defense cooperation with Japan and hoped the two sides can expand personnel exchanges and communication to improve the strategic mutually beneficial relations.

Liang conveyed greetings from Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.

Liang also met with Japanese Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa Friday.

At the outset of the meeting, Kitazawa told Liang, "It's important to deepen mutual understanding, boost confidence and advance comprehensive, strategic and mutually beneficial ties between Japan and China for the peace and prosperity of East Asia. "

Liang, who started the five-day visit to Japan on Friday, is the first Chinese defense minister to visit Japan since Cao Gangchuan did so in August 2007.