Constructive China-Japan ties help build community spirit

In a sign of continuously warming relations between Beijing and Tokyo, Japanese naval forces are reportedly expected to send warships on a courtesy visit to Qingdao next April, to take part in the parade to mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the People's Liberation Army's Navy.

In reference to the planned visit, the first of its kind in seven years, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said on Wednesday that more military exchanges between the two countries are beneficial for both sides to "properly handle disputes and consolidate mutual trust in security".

The move toward restoring normal military contacts comes as the two sides have just concluded consultations on the creation of a maritime and air liaison mechanism to help avoid any misunderstanding or misjudgment. The two countries are yet to resolve the territorial dispute over the Diaoyu Islands in East China Sea, and the liaison mechanism will be an effective means of reducing the risks of any untoward incident happening.