The arrival of the Chinese People's Liberation Army's Luhai-class missile destroyer Shenzhen at Harumi wharf near downtown Tokyo yesterday is a positive addition to the military exchange between China and Japan.

This is the first Chinese warship to have visited Japan since the People's Republic of China was founded in 1949.

The warship's voyage from Zhanjiang in South China to Harumi is not far but extraordinary. It heralds a new stage of the defense exchange between the two countries.

During Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan's visit to Japan in August, the two countries reached consensus on expanding military exchanges. The noticeable achievements included the decision to negotiate a military hotline to ease tensions and react to potential crisis, exchange visits by high-ranking defense officials, port calls by warships, and observation of military exercises.

Rear Admiral Xiao Xinnian, deputy commander of the South China Sea Fleet, is commanding the Chinese warship and is expected to meet with officials from Japan's Defense Ministry, Foreign Ministry and Maritime Self-Defense Force.

Staying at Harumi for four days, the warship is open to the public. A military band on board will give an open air performance in downtown Tokyo.

The trip will enable naval officers and soldiers to talk face-to-face with their Japanese counterparts.

This is important for the two countries, especially the armies, to build trust and confidence.

In a sense, Shenzhen's visit to Japan is another significant step in the bilateral relations.

Two important countries that carry weight in Asia, China and Japan should move their relations to a healthier and more stable level.

The Chinese warship's Japan visit, which was an out-of-bounds area for a long time, is of great significance to the mutually beneficial strategic relationship.

The bilateral relations still need care from Chinese and Japanese leaders as they are not free from discords.

During his Japan trip, Cao proposed that the defense exchanges between the two neighbors be put on a strategic level as they help build mutual trust and long-term friendship.

Shenzhen's visit to Japan is supposed to start the confidence-building process and raise expectations. It is an encouraging sign.

(China Daily November 29, 2007)