The government is considering sending Maritime Self-Defense Force vessels to the Chinese navy's fleet review in April, as the two countries look to facilitate defense exchanges amid thawing diplomatic ties, a source familiar with the bilateral relationship said Tuesday.
It would be the first visit to China by MSDF ships since December 2011. The fleet review will be held on April 23 off the city of Qingdao, eastern China, to mark the 70th anniversary of the foundation of the country's navy.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe agreed with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in Beijing in October to resume mutual naval visits.