The first ever China-Japan gymnastics training camp opened in Beijing on Sunday with the aim of boosting both men's national teams.

Olympic champion Uchimura Kohei and almost the whole Japanese men's gymnastics team arrived in Beijing on Sunday to start seven days of training with the Chinese men's national team.

China's national team will pay a return visit from February 11 to 17.

"I personally believe that a co-training camp between the top two teams is one of the best ways to promote the development of men's gymnastics all around the world," said Miao Zhongyi, the president of the Chinese Gymnastics Association. Mizutori Hisashi, head coach of Japanese men's gymnastics team, expected the same.

"Our goal is to defend our crown in 2020," said Mizutori, whose side won men's team gold medal dominantly at Rio 2016 but declined to third place at the Doha World Championships last year.

"I hope that we can get some inspiration from China, to help us improve our execution," he added.