CRI听力：Japan Navy Destroyer on First China Visit

A Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer arrived in South China's Guangdong province on Tuesday, starting a five-day visit to China. "Sazanami" with its 240-member crew, is the first Japanese warship to visit China since World War II. CRI's Zheng Chenguang reports.

The Japanese destroyer with 4,650 standard tonnages, set off from Hiroshima on voyage for a return visit. The Chinese missile destroyer "Shenzhen" docked in Japan late last year.

A welcoming ceremony was held for the ship's arrival in Zhanjiang city in Guangdong Province, along with a transfer ceremony marking the delivery of quake aid from the Japanese Defense Ministry and Self Defense Forces.

The materials, including food, blankets, hygiene masks, disinfectant and other items, will be unloaded by Wednesday and then travel to the quake zone by train.

Lieutenant General Su Shiliang is commander of China's South Sea Fleet.

"This visit is in accordance with the consensus of both countries' top leaders. The visit would promote exchanges between the two defense departments, help build mutual trust, and enhance the development of the China-Japan strategic, mutually beneficial relationship. "

Su Shiliang also expressed gratitude to Japan for providing aid and assistance after the May 12 earthquake and for relief materials shipped to the quake zone.

Shinichi Tokumaru, Japanese Ambassador to China, says the visit would help consolidate the friendly ties between the two countries. (Www.hXen.com)

"To consolidate Sino-Japanese ties requires people of the two countries deepen their mutual understanding and trust. This is especially important for the two countries' defense departments which shoulder great responsibility in peaceful development."

During the ship's stay, officers from both sides will visit each other's warships and hold seminars to exchange experience with disaster relief and other activities. "Sazanami" will also be open to visits for local residents.

Zheng Chenguang, CRI news.