Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji's upcoming visit to Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) is an important high-level contact between China and Japan and the ROK, Foreign Ministry spokesman Sun Yuxi said Thursday.

Sun told a press conference that Zhu will hold extensive and in-depth exchange of views with leaders and people of all walks of life of the two countries on furthering the relations between China and Japan and the ROK in the face of the 21st century.

The leaders will also discuss regional and international issues of common interest, Sun said.

During his visit to Japan, Zhu will visit Tokyo, Yamanashi, and Kobe, and in the ROK, Zhu will visit Seoul and Cheju Island, the spokesman said.

(People’s Daily 09/28/2000)