Relations between China and Japan have shown signs of progress when the two countries sent their respective representatives to high-level meetings, according to a report by the Want China Times (WCT). State Councilor Yang Jiechi had talks with Japanese National Security Advisor Shotaro Yachi on Oct. 13.
This was not the only high-level meeting between the two nations as Natsuo Yamaguchi, head of the New Komeito party, met with President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
The officials did not shy away from discussing the pertinent issues over the past few years, such as the dispute over the Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands.
The WCT report stated that the leaders on both sides are deliberating on the arrangements for a China-Japan-South Korea trilateral summit later in the month.
One of the cause for tension between the two nations is Japan's passing of controversial legislation which relaxes the restrictions on the use of its armed forces. Many observers see the decision as a break from the country's pacifist postwar constitution and as a sign of intent to challenge China's claim in the South China Sea.
Two other factors that contribute to strained Sino-Japanese relations are Shinzo Abe's attempt to downplay wartime atrocities committed by Japanese troops in China during the Second World War, and the longtime dispute between the Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands.
Prior to Yang's visit to China, the latter detained two Japanese women on spying charges last month, further straining relations. But despite all the setbacks, the two officials from both countries emphasized the importance of maintaining and strengthening relations between China and Japan.
In addition, during the meeting between Yamaguchi and Xi, Yamaguchi gave the Chinese president a letter from Prime Minister Abe inviting him to visit Tokyo next spring.