Japanese navy warship leaves southern China port

Zhanjiang, Guangdong, June 28 (Xinhua) -- After a five-day visit to China, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer "Sazanami" is heading back home on Saturday morning from southern China port city Zhanjiang.

"Sazanami", with its 240-member crew, is the first Japanese warship to visit China since World War II.

A farewell ceremony was held this morning at the port and the ship is leaving for Japan.

The destroyer with 4,650 standard tonnage, set off from Hiroshima on voyage for a reciprocal visit; the Chinese missile destroyer "Shenzhen" docked in Japan late last year.

The warship arrived here on Tuesday, and the Chinese navy held a reception for the visitors that evening.