Beijing has officially invited Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako to visit China this year to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the two countries normalizing diplomatic ties, sources close to bilateral relations said Saturday.
The visit is also aimed at easing anti-Japanese sentiment in China, which remains strong on account of Japan's past military aggression, and to strengthen relations between the two countries.
If realized, it would be the 51-year-old Crown Prince's first visit to China, and Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda's administration intends to consider Beijing's request carefully, the sources said. (Japan Times)
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