Zhu reiterated that China will maintain friendly ties with all neighboring countries.

In his meetings with leader of Social Democratic Party of Japan Takako Doi and head of Japanese Communist Party Tetsuzo Huha, Zhu said China's military expenses are less than a third of Japan's budget.

"(With this amount) how can China become a threat to Japan?'' Zhu said.

The premier stressed that the Chinese government has always pursued peaceful diplomacy, and is willing to be friendly with all countries, its neighbors in particular.

Zhu praised the parties for their contributions to promote bilateral exchanges and said he hoped they would continue to play an active role in ensuring a lasting friendship between the two nations.

Doi and Huha praised Zhu for his attention to personal contact, saying his visit has won extensive applause from Japanese citizens.

Yesterday afternoon, Zhu visited Fanuc Corp in Yamanashi prefecture, a picturesque resort north of Tokyo known for the famous Fuji Mountain within its boundary. The company is the world largest manufacturer of industrial robots and a key supplier of digital-controlled machine tools.

On Saturday morning, Zhu met with Secretary General of the Liberal Democratic Party Hiromu Nonaka, leader of the Komeito Party Takenori Kanzaki, head of the Conservative Party Chiharu Ougi and leader of the Democratic Party Yukio Hatoyama.

Zhu said the development of Sino-Japanese relations needs support from the parties and non-governmental forces.

The premier expressed his appreciation of the friendship policies the parties have followed towards China, and said he was glad that "using history as a mirror to develop a far-sighted attitude towards the future'' has become a consensus of both sides.

The party leaders said Zhu's extensive contacts and exchanges with Japanese officials, non-government personnel and ordinary people have helped enhance mutual understanding and trust.

Most Japanese hold a common aspiration that the two nations should maintain and carry forward their friendship, the leaders added. All the parties in Japan have agreed to expand mutual exchanges, especially between the younger generations, on the basis of the three key documents between the two governments.

Zhu also reiterated China's stand on Taiwan, saying it is a matter of principle that touches on the very political basis for bilateral relations.

The premier said the Chinese government and people, based on historical factors, are very much concerned with Japan's position on the issue He called on the parties to stick to the "one-China principle'' outlined in the 1972 Sino-Japanese Statement.

The party leaders said they understood China's concerns, and promised to pursue a "one-China'' policy, adding they hoped that peaceful unification would be realized as soon as possible.

(China Daily 10/16/2000)