Japan Sends Diplomat to China to Improve Relations

(MENAFN- Arab Times)  Japan is sending a senior diplomat to China to try and repair relations that have soured over the Senkaku islands in the East China Sea. The islands are controlled by Japan but claimed by China and Taiwan. Vice Foreign Minister Akitaka Saiki will meet his Chinese counterpart Zhang Yesui during his two-day visit from Monday. The trip is Saiki's first since taking up the post last month. Japan's relations with China have been strained by territorial disputes over the Senkaku Islands and other issues, Japan's (NHK World) reported. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said in a speech in the Philippines on Saturday that he has instructed the Foreign Ministry to have a candid dialogue with China. He also said he hopes to see the two countries' leaders and foreign ministers meet soon without any conditions.