At the invitation of the China Association for International Friendly Contact (CAIFC), the Japanese PLA Veterans Delegation of 20 persons, led by Kitasato Eiyo, visited China＇s Beijing, Sanya and Shanghai from November 21 to 27.
On November 22, Admiral Liu Zhenqi, Deputy Director of General Political Department, met with the delegation in the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse and had a banquet for them. Liu Zhenqi showed welcome to Kitasato Eiyo and his party. He said the Japanese veterans made contributions to the cause of the Chinese revolution and national liberation, and did a great deal of useful work to promote the Sino-Japanese friendship after they returned home. The Chinese people and army would never forget this. Liu Zhenqi explained to the guests the principle and stand of the Chinese government and leaders on the promotion of comprehensive development of Sino-Japanese relations, introduced the achievements of China＇s reform and opening up and the development of China＇s military construction in the new era. He hoped the veterans to pay attention to China＇s construction and development in the future, and made new contributions to the improvement of Sino-Japanese friendship.
Kitasato Eiyo said he got strong feelings when returning to China, where he once lived and fought, especially to see the great achievements of China＇s economic and national defense construction. As an old soldier who had participated in People＇s Liberation Army, he was very pleased. He expressed thanks to the Chinese government and army for their care to the Japanese veterans. Kitasato Eiyo said the Japanese veterans would make unremitting efforts to further strengthen the Japan-China-people exchanges and contacts.
In addition, the delegation visited the Beijing Military Region artillery, and went to Sanya, Shanghai and other places for visit.
