Even as scores of people gather to celebrate the blossoms most associated with nearby Japan, China's Premier Wen Jiabao was on his way to Tokyo to address the Japanese parliament—the first such visit in 22 years.

Japanese leaders applauded Wen's remarks on April 12, during which he pledged China's friendship and noted the potential for further economic cooperation. But Wen also warned the island country that China would expect Japan to take actions that support official apologies for Japanese military aggression during World War II.

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