A huge tourist exchange was launched Saturday in Beijing to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the normalization of Sino-Japanese ties.

Vice-Premier Qian Qichen said China and Japan had achieved great progress in relations since the normalization, benefiting both countries.

Addressing a welcoming reception held in the Great Hall of the People, Qian said, "Looking back on the history of bilateral relations, the most important lesson was 'viewing history as a mirror and looking forward to the future'."

"We are willing to further enlarge and deepen the friendly exchanges and cooperation in this spirit.

"As neighbors and important nations in Asia and the world, we should join hands to make more contributions to peace and development in Asia and the world," he said.

Chikage Ogi, Japan's Land, Infrastructure and Transport Minister, said, "I hope this activity can enhance the civilian exchanges and promote bilateral relations."

Led by former Japanese Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto, some 13,800 Japanese tourists came to China for the activity, marking it the biggest civilian exchange in history between the two countries.

( September 23, 2002)