Japan visit 'full of hope'

Vice-President Xi Jinping expressed hopes for deeper ties with Japan before kicking off a visit to the country today that includes a specially arranged meeting with the Japanese emperor.

"We would like to further develop our friendly, neighborly cooperative ties," Xi told reporters during a joint interview with international media at the Great Hall of the People on Saturday.

The vice-president will pay an official visit to Japan, the Republic of Korea, Cambodia and Myanmar beginning today until next Tuesday.