CRI听力：Japanese PM Starts Visit to China

Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda has arrived in Beijing for a four-day official state visit, it's being regarded as an opportunity for both China and Japan to expand communication and mutual understanding.

Our reporter Qiu Wei has more.

Reporter:

For his first visit to China as the prime minister of Japan, Yasou Fukuda says he expects to further develop relations between the two countries, and to make next year an important stage for development.

''Bilateral relations have really experienced a difficult time, but it has been getting much better. I hope the two countries can become closer, and build reliable and cooperative ties.''

Fukuda, who took office in September, is scheduled to hold talks with top Chinese leaders. He said environmental protection and energy conservation are two important issues where cooperation between the two countries is needed. He also expects to discuss the East China Sea, climate change and Korean Peninsula issues with Chinese leaders.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said that the visit is of great significance for promoting the healthy and steady development of China-Japan relations.

"Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda's visit is another important move to further improve and develop China-Japan relations, following the previous ice-breaking and thawing trips by former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao respectively."

Communication between China and Japan has been heating up of late, especially this year. Political parties, armies and cultural organisations in both countries have enhanced communication.

Jin Xide, a professor of Japanese studies with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said that events held in the past few months have laid the groundwork for Fukuda's visit, which is expected to push ties to an even greater level.

''This year, strategic and mutually beneficial relations between China and Japan have achieved a lot. In light of such a trend, leaders from the two countries are meeting to further steps that will benefit both countries.''

Besides holding talks with Chinese leaders, Fukuda will give a speech at China's prestigious Peking University and visit a local primary school in Beijing. The prime minister will also pay a visit to Tianjin Municipality, and Qufu in Shandong Province, the hometown of Confucius.

Professor Jin Xide said such events will deepen understanding between the peoples of the two nations. He noted this is a helpful way to warm up bilateral relations.

Qiu Wei, CRI news.