Japan, China agree to Naval Port Exchanges

Japan's Maritime Self-defense Force and China's People's Liberation Navy have agreed to follow through on exchanging port visits.

The desire to exchange port visits was first voiced in 2000. However, Japan's previous PM, Koizumi's visits the Yasukuni Shrine angered the Chinese to the point that the port exchanges were put on hold.

Japan's new PM has been working double time to smooth out relations between the two Asian giants before he makes his first visit to the shrine in April of this year….or not.

China has already conducted mutual port visits with U.S., Russia and Australia. Japan is feeling left out.

I remember when I was in the Navy. Being a junior officer at the time I was put on Korean and Navy ships when we conducted exercises in the Japan Sea as part of an exchange. My home ship hosted officers from the Korean and Japanese navies.

But…I don't remember anyone ever asking me about the experience.

I wonder…are these exchanges just for show? Do they really 'deepen mutual understanding?'

Not likely.

What do you think?