In addition to other problems, Japan and China have been attempting to mend their tense relations for years due to historical and geographical conflicts.
As the Asian neighbors try to heal icy relations before Donald Trump returns as US president, Japan announced Tuesday that a Chinese military group was on a rare exchange visit.
According to Japan’s top government spokesperson Yoshimasa Hayashi, Chinese People’s Liberation Army members from the Eastern Theater Command were in Japan from Monday through Friday to meet with senior Japanese defense officials and their Japanese counterparts.
According to Hayashi, the mission was planned following a meeting between the defense ministers of China and Japan in November in Laos, where they agreed to enhance personnel exchanges.
“For the first time in five years, this resumes exchanges among troops,” he said during a routine press conference.
“The development of positive and stable ties between China and Japan will be aided by the open communication at the commander level, which fosters mutual understanding and trust.
“We think this visit contributes to the peace and stability of the region,” Hayashi stated.
The perspective was echoed by the PLA Eastern Theater Command.
“This visit will help enhance understanding and mutual trust between the two sides, and promote defence exchanges between China and Japan,” added the statement.
In an effort to reduce tensions between the two nations, Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya traveled to China in December to meet with his Chinese colleague Wang Yi.
Japan’s farm minister is scheduled to visit China on Wednesday, while the country’s ruling MPs were also in China this week to meet with top CPC leaders.
In November, Takeo Akiba, the Japanese national security advisor, traveled to China and spoke with Wang.
The Nikkei business daily said last week that Tokyo is planning to invite Wang to Japan next month in an attempt to facilitate a state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
With the exception of 2019, when he traveled to Osaka with other foreign leaders for the Group of 20 summit, Xi has not traveled since taking office.
