Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping has arrived in Japan at the start of a three-day official visit. It is the first visit by a Chinese state leader since the new Japanese government took office in September.

In a written statement upon his arrival, Xi Jinping said that China and Japan are close neighbors, and that the development of ties between the two countries is mutually beneficial.

He said that his visit aims to promote mutual trust, cooperation, and friendship. During his stay in Tokyo, the Chinese vice president will meet with Emperor Akihito and Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama.

He is also scheduled to visit the port city of Fukuoka. Japan is the first stop of Xi Jinping's four-nation Asian tour. He will travel next to the Republic of Korea, Myanmar and Cambodia.