Japanese vice foreign minister on China-Japan Strategic Dialogue

Japanese Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Shotaro Yachi Friday described the coming third round of the China-Japan Strategic Dialogue as "comprehensive talks".

"The topics will cover Japan-China relations in the context of the Asia-Pacific region, relations with other countries in the region and multilateral ties," he said when he arrived in Beijing to attend the dialogue scheduled for October 15-17.

"The problem of the Yasukuni shrine and the East China sea gas field are not on the agenda of the dialogue, but the two sides would exchange views on these issues if China wishes," he said.

He also said the six-party talks would "certainly be mentioned".

Sources said the dialogue would begin in the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse on Saturday, and would last till next Monday. Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Dai Bingguo will head a delegation to attend the closed-door discussion.

The Chinese and Japanese sides would make contact later Friday, according to an official from the Japanese embassy.

China and Japan have held two rounds of the strategic dialogue this year, in Beijing in May and then in Tokyo in June, trying to promote understanding and improve bilateral relations within the strategic framework.

Source: Xinhua