Chinese, Japanese Vice FMs discuss Diaoyu Islands issues

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Zhijun has begun a consultation with Japanese Deputy Foreign Minister Chikao Kawai on bilateral relations, especially regarding China's Diaoyu Islands.

Chikao Kawai's visit to Beijing comes after China postponed activities for the 40th anniversary of the normalization of China-Japan relations. Japan's Kyoto news says the aim of the visit is to repair bilateral ties damaged by the Japanese government's purchase of the islands.

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Zhijun began the talks with his Japanese counterpart in Beijing on Tuesday. This year marks 40 years of diplomatic relations between China and Japan.

However, China says a reception for the event, which was due to be held at the end of September, has been postponed. Japan's foreign ministry said it wants to repair the frayed bilateral ties over Diaoyu Islands.

Chikao Kawai says, "For Japan, Sino-Japanese relations are extremely important. The strategic development of Japan-China relations is also very important for Japan. Because of the current difficult situation, I plan to explain to the Chinese side what Japan is considering and listen to what China is considering, for the importance of the relationship between both countries."

Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei confirmed the Diaoyu Islands dispute would be on the table for discussion during Kawai's two-day visit.

He also stressed that Japan should bear the consequences of its actions on the Diaoyu Islands.

Hong says, "This year marks the 40th anniversary of normalization of diplomatic ties between China and Japan, it should have been an important opportunity for both sides to push ahead bilateral relations. However, the Japanese government insisted on buying the islands, which has severely violated Chinese territorial sovereignty, hurt the feelings of the Chinese people, and grimly jeopardised China-Japan relations

China said on Sunday the reception would be held at a later and more appropriate time.

Relations between Tokyo and Beijing soured in the aftermath of Japan's "nationalization plan" earlier this month of the Diaoyu Islands, which China regards as an infringement of its territorial sovereignty over the islands.