http://www.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/index.html
*China's Defense Minister arrives in Japan* China's Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan arrived in Japan on Wednesday, marking the first to visit the country by a Chinese defense minister in 9-and-a-half years. During his 5-day visit, Mr Cao is to meet Japan's new defense minister, Masahiko Koumura. The ministers are to discuss the schedule for arrivals of Chinese naval vessels in Japan, as well as mutual visits by high-ranking officials, including a visit by Mr Koumura to China. The ministers will also discuss the creation of a hotline between the 2 countries for possible emergencies. Mr Cao is scheduled to give a speech in Tokyo on China's defense policy, and visit the Maritime Self-Defense Force base in Yokosuka, south of Tokyo. Exchanges between the 2 countries in the area of defense were suspended after China strongly criticized former prime minister Junichiro Koizumi's visits to Yasukuni Shrine. Observers say China wants to activate bilateral defense exchanges and lessen Japan's concerns about China's military buildup. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
