Premier Wen: Japan's invasion of China tragedy for people of both countries

Premier Wen Jiabao on Wednesday met with a delegation of Japanese war orphans. The Premier said Japan's invasion of China more than half a century ago was a tragedy for both the Chinese and Japanese people. Wen Jiabao also thanked the Japanese orphans for their contribution to Sino-Japanese friendship.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) meets with the members of the Japanese war  orphans' delegation, who revisit China to thank their Chinese foster families, in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 11, 2009.(Xinhua/Fan Rujun)

Nearly 60 Japanese war orphans visited China this week for an emotional reunion with their Chinese foster families. On Wednesday, they were welcomed in Beijing by the Chinese Premier.

You have returned home -- The Premier's opening remark brought many into tears.

The war orphans consist primarily of children left behind in China by Japanese soldiers and families in the aftermath of World War II. In 1980, they began returning to Japan. Many faced discrimination from society due to their lack of Japanese language skills, and encountered difficulties in maintaining steady employment.