THE Chinese People's Liberation Army naval missile destroyer Shenzhen arrived in Tokyo yesterday for a historic four-day visit.

Shenzhen, with 345 officials and soldiers aboard, was headed by Rear Admiral Xiao Xinnian, vice chief of staff of the South China Sea Fleet of the PLA Navy.

It entered Tokyo Bay in the morning and was led by the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force frigate Thunder to Harumi wharf. It was the first trip to Japan by a PLA naval vessel.

Hundreds of Japan-based Chinese, including students, business people and diplomats, were on the scene to welcome the big warship. Some waved flowers and Chinese national flags, while others performed traditional dressed-up lion dances. Shenzhen left the Zhanjiang port of Guangdong Province on November 21 for Japan at the invitation of the MSDF.

The warship visit has opened "a new page" in the history of Japan-China defense exchanges and military communications, Eiji Yoshikawa, chief of staff of the MSDF, said at the welcoming ceremony.

The Chinese Ambassador to Japan, Cui Tiankai, concurred, saying: "The visit is set to inject new vigor and impetus into the development of bilateral ties."

Xiao said that coming with the ship are not only 345 officials and crew members, but also the amity of all Chinese people and the desire for peace and harmony.

"We believe that the port call will push forward military and civilian exchanges and promote Sino-Japanese friendly ties," he said.

While Xiao was meeting Japanese officials and visiting an MSDF warship and facilities, Chinese crew members were showed around Tokyo and went shopping.

During the visit which finishes on Saturday, Chinese crew members will conduct a variety of activities, including a soccer match, with their Japanese counterparts.

The two sides will open their ships to the public from today.