New Japanese PM plans to visit Beijing

New Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, who was elected Tuesday, is planning to visit Beijing in November with a view to strengthening ties with China, the South China Morning Post reported. A spokesperson from the Chinese foreign ministry congratulated Fukuda on his post and pledged to work with him to strengthen the countries' relationship. Fukuda is expected to seek progress on proposals for joint development of gas fields in disputed areas of the East China Sea. Japanese officials attended a military exercise in Shenyang, which a Chinese defence ministry official called a "tangible measure" of strengthening military cooperation.