[1]Chinese Premier, Wen Jiabao would visit Japan's Tsunami hit areas, including Fukushima, where a ruptured nuclear power plant triggered massive radiation crisis, during his upcoming tour to step up bilateral ties.
Wen who has the reputation to rush to disaster struck areas in China to show his solidarity with victims also plans to Japan's disaster-hit areas of Miyagi and Fukushima in a bid to improve relations between the two countries, assistant chinese minister of foreign affairs Hu Zhengyue here said on Wednesday at a briefing.
"We want to send the deep affections of the Chinese Government and people for the Japanese people, and embody our support for Japan's reconstruction," Xinhua quoted Hu as saying.
China, Japan regarded as arch rivals had prolonged bilateral tensions in 2010 over Diaoyu islands in East China Sea following the detention of a Chinese fishing trawler and its Captain by Japan.
Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard visited some of the quake hit areas in Japan in April.
Wen will be visiting Japan on May 21-22 to attend the fourth meeting between the leaders of China, Japan and the Republic of Korea (South Korea).
During his tour Wen will also meet Japanese Prime Minister Kan Naoto on the sidelines of the trilateral summit.
According to reports from Tokyo Japan is planning to hold the opening ceremony for the trilateral summit, in the city of Fukushima, around 60 kilometres Northwest of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant crippled by the powerful quake and tsunami.
This is the first meeting of the two countries' leaders in 2011, and the earthquake that triggered a massive tsunami in Japan in March will create a special backdrop for the meeting.
The meeting is of great importance to the future development of bilateral ties, Hu said.
The disputed island currently under the control of Japan is also claimed by China.
The tensions abated after Japan released the Captain followed by few meetings between Wen and Kan on the sidelines of international conferences.
During Wen's visit Chinese side hopes to express sincerity and goodwill towards the Japanese people, promote bilateral cooperation and exchanges in all areas, including reconstruction, and consolidate the steady momentum of improved ties, Hu said.
Hu said the two sides maintained close negotiations and consultations in the improvement of ties.
About 850 flights fly between the two countries each week, and bilateral trade volume reached $300 billion, making Japan China's largest trade partner among neighbouring countries, he said.
"We want to send the deep affections of the Chinese Government and people for the Japanese people, and embody our support for Japan's reconstruction," Hu said.
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[1] http://103.241.136.51/chijpg-403