Chinese President Hu Jintao says his upcoming state visit to Japan will have the atmosphere of a "warm spring". Hu Jintao made the remarks during an interview with journalists from 16 Japanese media organizations stationed in the Chinese capital. He also spoke about the Tibet issue and the Olympics.
The ice has already been broken. It's time to warm things up.
The Chinese President has high expectations of the upcoming trip to Japan, which will be the first state visit by a Chinese head of state in a decade.
During the interview with Japanese media, Hu Jintao extended his best wishes to the Japanese people, and hoped to "meet old friends, make new friends".
His visit is the latest effort by the two countries to enhance ties.
Hu Jintao said "China and Japan are close neighbors. The two countries have a 2000 year long history of exchanges. Friendship between the two countries has gained wide support from people on both sides. This is a solid foundation for further development of bilateral ties."
Hu Jintao said the promotion of bilateral ties not only depends on politics, but also exchanges between the Chinese and the Japanese people, particularly the young.
Hu Jintao said "The most efficient way to improve bilateral ties is to keep enhancing exchanges between young people, so that they can have better understanding of each other and deepen their friendships."
On the Tibet issue, Hu Jintao confirmed that central government officials is scheduled to meet with private representatives of the Dalai Lama on Sunday.
Hu Jintao said he hopes contacts between the central government and Dalai Lama will yield positive results.
He added that judgments should be based on a person's deeds, not just on his words.
Hu Jintao also told the Japanese media he is confident that China will provide the world with a successful Olympics, and it will welcome people from all around the world during the Games.
