"This is my first trip to China. I had been looking forward to this trip, and I'm very happy to be here now. I wish to know more about my Chinese counterparts," said Hiroyuki Shiosaki, a visiting staff trainer with the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force.

"Japan and China are neighboring countries, separated only by a strip of water. I think the hearts of the Japanese people and the Chinese people are also closely connected."

At a regular press briefing on Tuesday, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Liu Jianchao said the visit of the Japanese warship would enhance understanding, friendship and trust between the two countries.

The visit had been in accordance with the consensus of both countries' top leaders and the defence ministries had agreed on the details of the visit, Liu said, adding the cooperation and exchange on defence of the two countries would receive understanding and support from the people of both sides.

(Xinhua News Agency June 24, 2008)