According to new international practices, warship is also a diplomatic tool. Since the end of World War II, especially the end of the Cold War, warships have more and more been used by different countries and troops as an important diplomatic platform for mutual exchange of communications and information. Certainly, a warship can be used to flex the military muscle of a country. But after all, this is not the mainstream agenda of the current "maritime diplomacy".
"This trip suggests that Japan-China relations are gradually expanding and we hope that the visit can contribute to the enhancing of mutual trust and can contribute to Asian peace and stability," Japanese Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba said ahead of Sazanami's sailing for China.
Through extending an invitation to the Japanese side for a naval visit, China also sent a message to Japan and the world that Chinese people are willing to enhance mutual military trust with its neighbors and finally seek mutual political trust.
As far as various exchange events held between Chinese and Japanese navy officers and soldiers during the Japanese naval ship's stay are concerned, they are mainly aimed at exhibiting to its Japanese counterpart the achievements of the Chinese navy, a move that also embodies the confidence of China in its national defense-building and the confidence of the Chinese nation and people.
For a country devoted to peace and development, warships are not only a part of its defense strength, but also an important envoy of peace.
Since November 1985 when a Chinese warship paid a visit to Pakistan, different Chinese naval fleets have sailed to more than 50 countries and regions almost to every corner of the world over the past 23 years. In the meantime, dozens of foreign countries have also sent naval warships to China for visits or military exchanges. The formations of China's navy have also participated in dozens of international maritime military drills.
From China's Shenzhen to Japan's Sazanami, a new page is being turned in the history of the two countries' navies and even the fields beyond. With peaceful exchanges, not bloody strife, as the theme, the new page should be honored by the two countries, especially their young generations.
The author is the chief commentator of the Shanghai-based Oriental Morning Post.
(China Daily July 2, 2008)
