Li, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, conveyed sincere greeting from the Chinese people to the Japanese people in a written statement delivered at the airport.

Li Changchun (L), a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, is greeted upon his arrival in Tokyo, on March 29, 2009. Li Changchun arrived in Tokyo to kick off his official goodwill visit Sunday. [Xinhua]

"China and Japan are important countries in Asia and the world at large. Chinese President Hu Jintao paid a successful visit to Japan last year, during which the leaders of the two countries reached important consensus to fully advance the China-Japan strategic relations of mutual benefits," he said in the statement.

"Sino-Japanese relations now stands in a new historic point and faces an important opportunity to go further ahead," he said.

"With concerted efforts made by both, I believe the visit can meet the pre-set goal of increasing political mutual trust, deepening mutually beneficial economic cooperation, expanding friendly communication and pushing forward our strategic relations of mutual benefits," he said.

Li is the highest-ranking official who visits Japan this year. Soon after his arrival, Li met with Japanese Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone. Li is expected to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso Monday. During his stay, he will also meet with leaders of ruling and opposition parties and people from all walks of life.

Japan is the third leg of Li's four-nation tour which will also take him to the Republic of Korea. He has already visited Australia and Myanmar.

Li Changchun (L, front), a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, meets with Japanese Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone in Tokyo, on March 29, 2009. Li Changchun arrived in Tokyo to kick off his official goodwill visit Sunday.

Li Changchun (L), a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, meets with Japanese Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone in Tokyo, on March 29, 2009. Li Changchun arrived in Tokyo to kick off his official goodwill visit Sunday.