The Chinese naval missile destroyer "Shenzhen" has begun a four-day visit to Japan.
It is the first of its kind in the history of the Chinese People's Liberation Army navy.
The destroyer, with 345 officers and soldiers on board, is headed by Rear Admiral Xiao Xinnian.
"It carries not only 345 officers and soldiers, but also the amity of 1.3 billion Chinese people and the desire for peace and harmony. I firmly believe that mutual trust will be further strengthened and Sino-Japanese friendly relations will be further developed through communications among officers and soldiers, and local residents. "
Chief of staff of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force Eiji Yoshikawa says the visit is significant and memorable and opens a new page in the history of the two countries' defense exchanges and military communications.
"The Maritime Self-Defense Force and China's People's Liberation Army are not only progressing the relationship, but we promise that we will develop trust between two countries and move on with friendship."
The Chinese ship left Zhanjiang port in southern Guangdong province last week.
