Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi has said that China's development will not constitute a threat to Japan, but it will stand as an opportunity to Japan, calling on the two countries to further exchanges between their younger generations.

Koizumi made the remarks Tuesday during a meeting with Zhou Qiang, first secretary of Secretariat of the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League of China, who is visiting Japan heading a Chinese youth delegation.

He said strengthening exchanges between the two countries' youngsters plays an active role in promoting bilateral ties.

Praising the smooth development of bilateral trade relations, Koizumi said a growing number of Japanese are realizing that the development of China is not a threat but an opportunity to Japan.

He said the two countries enjoy an extensive cooperation potential in environmental protection, citing the forestation campaign jointly conducted by the two countries' youth organizations.

For his part, Zhou said young people both in China and Japan look forward to the smooth development of bilateral ties, and so long as the two countries stick to the principles of "taking history as a mirror and looking into the future," their friendship will witness further growth.

With an aim to further friendship between the two countries' younger generations, the delegation started the visit to Japan on Nov. 6.

During its stay, the delegation has had extensive and in-depth exchange of views with various Japanese political parties, governmental and non-governmental youth bodies on issues including environmental protection, education and cultural exchanges.

(Xinhua News Agency November 10, 2004)