Li Changchun, a senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC), called on China and Japan to enhance cooperation on environmental protection.

Li, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, visited Kawasaki, a city in the south of Tokyo, and talked with several local entrepreneurs.

Kawasaki houses a number of Japan's major enterprises, including NEC, Canon and Fujisu. During the past decades, Kawasaki has turned from a heavily polluted city to a model of environmental-friendly place known for its world-class high- and environmental-technologies.

Local businessmen introduced their expertise on plastic pat refine, water purification and other environmental know-how. They hoped to enhance cooperation with China and make contribution to the environmental protection between the two countries.

Li said that climate change has become a global issue. Kawasaki has accumulated experience in treating solid, liquid and gas wastes, for which China should learn from, he said.

China has adopted a scientific concept of development, endeavor to build a resource-efficient and environmental-friendly society, he said, adding cooperation in this area "can provide new and broad space for advancing Sino-Japanese strategic relation of mutual benefits."

After the meeting, Li visited Pat Refine Technology Co. Founded in 2008, the company can treat 27,000 tons of plastic waste and produce 23,000 tons of raw materials for producing new bottles.

Li expressed appreciation for their application of the advanced technologies for protecting the environment.

Li is the highest-ranking official who visits Japan this year. Besides Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso, Li also met with leaders of political parties and senior executives of the Japanese business community.

(Xinhua News Agency April 1, 2009)