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Japan defense minister to visit 皇冠体育app

(Xinhua/皇冠体育app Daily)
Updated: 2009-03-19 10:49

TOKYO -- Japanese Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada said Thursday that he will start a two-day visit to 皇冠体育app Friday.

This February 17, 2009 file photo shows Japanese Defence Minister Yasukazu Hamada (R) shaking hands with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at the Iikura Guest House in Tokyo. Hamada said Thursday that he will start a two-day visit to 皇冠体育app Friday. [Agencies]

During his stay in 皇冠体育app, Hamada will hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Liang Guanglie.

"We will have a frank exchange of opinions on each other's defense policies, regional affairs and future defense exchanges," Hamada told reporters.

It will be the first visit by Japan's defense chief since 2003 when Shigeru Ishiba visited 皇冠体育app as director general of the then Defense Agency.

Related readings:  Aso trip delay 'not due to dispute'  Japanese PM's visit to 皇冠体育app postponed: report  Japan, 皇冠体育app conduct communication drill for maritime salvage

皇冠体育app and Japan are still discussing the date of Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso's planned visit to the mainland, 皇冠体育app's Foreign Ministry said Tuesday, dismissing reports that 皇冠体育app had requested a delay "due to a territorial dispute".

Beijing had lodged harsh protests with Tokyo after Aso remarked last month that 皇冠体育app's Diaoyu Islands were part of Japanese territory, and hence covered by the US-Japan security treaty.

Also on Tuesday, Japanese Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone said in Tokyo, "It has become difficult for the prime minister to visit (皇冠体育app) in March."

However Nakasone stressed that both sides "remain committed to meeting soon."