Taipei  - Taiwan sent its ruling party chief Sunday to assure Japan that Taipei values their relations while improving it ties with China.

During the week-long visit, Wu Poh-hsiung, chairman of the pro-China Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT), will meet with officials from all political parties of Japan and call on Japanese politicians who are friendly to Taiwan, the KMT said in a statement.

According to the statement, President Ma Ying-jeou asked Wu to tell Japan that Taiwan values their relationship and will not neglect Japan while developing ties with China.

"Taiwan wants to boost ties with Japan because Taiwan and Japan have common interests due to their geographical closeness and historical ties. Japan-Taiwan trade totals 60 billion US dollars each year and their exchange of tourists reach 2.5 million tourists each year," Ma said.

Taiwan was a Japanese colony from 1895 until 1945. Japan cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan in 1972, but maintains close trade ties with Taipei.

Ma ants Japan to understand why Taiwan seeks improved ties with China, and hopes Japan can continue to back Taipei's bid to join international organizations.

Ma suggested that Taiwan and Japan put aside disputes over the sovereignty of the Diaoyu Islands and pursue common interests.

"Japan and China can jointly drill for oil in the East China Sea, then why can't Taiwan and Japan put aside differences and pursue common interests," Ma asked.

Since Ma took office on May 20, Taipei-Beijing ties have quickly improved as Ma is seeking reconciliation with Beijing and promised he would not seek independence for Taiwan.

Taipei and Beijing launched weekend charter flights on July 4, and will open direct sea link, direct postal service and daily charter flights on December 15. (dpa)