Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao guides Japanese war orphans visiting the former residence and office of late Premier Zhou Enlai in the Zhongnanhai compound, the seat of China's Central Government in Beijing on November 11.

The 45 Japanese, who are now mostly in their 70s, were on a trip to China to express gratitude to Chinese families who adopted them more than 60 years ago.

More than 2,800 Japanese orphans left behind after the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression between 1937-45 were adopted by Chinese people. Most returned to Japan in the 1980s and 1990s after normalization of bilateral ties.

History tells us that "peace between China and Japan leads to mutual benefits, and rivalry damages both," Wen said during the meeting.