Chinese Premier in historic visit to Japan

CHINESE Premier Wen Jiabao took his milestone Japan visit to Kyoto yesterday, sipping tea and mingling with the public as he tried to add a human touch to warming political relations.

After two days of high-profile politics in Tokyo where he called for a new era in bilateral ties, Friday’s trip offered a photo-op finale to the first visit to Japan by a Chinese leader in seven years.

He arrived in this ancient city to the sound of Japanese harps and then sat down for a traditional tea ceremony, sipping the bitter green drink next to a golden panel with calligraphy that read “mutual respect”.

“Understanding comes through getting to know each other,” Wen told the tea master.

In his address Thursday to the Japanese parliament, the first by a Chinese leader for 22 years and which was broadcast live in both countries, Wen called for their nations to look ahead without forgetting Japan’s past aggression.

Before speaking to the Diet he tried his hand at personal diplomacy, going for a morning jog in a popular park in Tokyo, chatting with people and showing off tai chi moves.

“There have been twists and turns in the history of the two nations but the current friendly ties of China and Japan are befitting of these times,” Wen told a reception Thursday evening.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe responded by saying that Wen “made a wonderful speech in the Diet which will be remembered throughout history.”