Japan, China Discuss Bilateral Relations, N. Korea

Beijing, Aug. 6 (Jiji Press)--Senior Japanese and Chinese foreign policy officials have met in Beijing to discuss the relationship between the two countries and issues relating to North Korea. Junichi Ihara, director-general of the Japanese Foreign Ministry's Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau, met separately with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin and Wu Dawei, China's special envoy for Korean Peninsula issues. Before leaving for home, Ihara told reporters at Beijing Capital International Airport on Tuesday that he had candid and fulfilling talks with Chinese officials. On Monday, Ihara and Liu mainly discussed outstanding issues between Japan and China, including tensions over the Senkakus, the East China Sea islands administered by Tokyo but also claimed by Beijing. The two sides explained each other's stance, the Japanese diplomat said. Ihara and Wu exchanged views about North Korea's nuclear program. Ihara also asked for Chinese support to resolve a standoff over Pyongyang's past abductions of Japanese nationals. END