Chinese and Japanese diplomats are expected to meet in Beijing
next Monday to discuss bilateral relations and disputes between the
two neighbors.
The one-day "working level informal contact" will be held
between direct-general level officials, according to a source with
the Chinese
Foreign Ministry.
The meeting will focus on Sino-Japanese relations, which have
been upset by Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's visits to
the Yasukuni Shrine to show respect for Japan's war dead, including
various World War II criminals.
The two sides will also discuss disputes in the East China Sea
and other issues, the source said.
China and Japan held three rounds of consultations on the East
China Sea issue and agreed to seek a peaceful solution.
(Xinhua News Agency January 7, 2006)