Aid Mission to See First Japanese Troops in China for 60 Years

Japan is preparing to send a military unit to western China to distribute emergency relief to earthquake victims, in what would be the first dispatch of Japanese troops to China since the second world war.

The Kyodo news agency quoted Japanese government sources as saying that a self-defence force [SDF] C-130 transport plane could be sent to Sichuan province to distribute tents, blankets and other vital supplies by the end of the week.

The foreign and defence ministries are discussing the size and timing of the dispatch after China requested outside help earlier this week. A senior foreign ministry official is already in Beijing discussing details of the mission.

China asked for help from its former occupier to provide urgent relief to tens of thousands of people left homeless and at risk of malnutrition and disease by the May 12 earthquake, which has so far killed more than 68,000 people.

The chief cabinet secretary, Nobutaka Machimura, said Beijing had approved the use of military aircraft to bring in supplies, adding that there were no plans to keep Japanese troops on the ground.

"It is not entirely clear, but I think they want SDF tents and blankets to be transported to a Chinese airport by SDF planes," he told reporters.

A Japanese government source told the Guardian that no decision had been reached on China's request, but added that if the mission went ahead, "it will mark a watershed in bilateral ties."

"The dispatch of [civilian] rescuers to China after the quake has already made a difference. Their efforts were broadcast throughout China by state television and received a very positive response," he said.

There are concerns, however, that the arrival of Japanese troops could spark an angry backlash among ordinary Chinese who retain a distrust of their former enemy.

Though relations have warmed over the 18 months, culminating in a successful visit to Japan by the Chinese president, Hu Jintao, just days before the earthquake struck, many Chinese believe Japan has yet to properly atone for its wartime conduct.

The hugely symbolic dispatch would be the first involving Japanese troops overseas since they took part in a relief effort following a large earthquake on the Indonesian island of Java in 2006.

Under Japan's pacifist constitution, troops can take part in disaster relief and other non-combat operations.