LDP's Nikai Mulling Oct. Visit to China

Tokyo, Aug. 18 (Jiji Press)--Toshihiro Nikai, secretary-general of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, is considering visiting China in October at the invitation of the Communist Party of China, LDP sources said Thursday. Nikai is seen attending a gathering of political party representatives from the Group of 20 advanced and emerging economies, slated for on Oct. 9-10. Meetings between Nikai and Chinese government and CPC dignitaries will also be arranged. On Thursday night, Nikai met with Chinese Ambassador to Japan Cheng Yonghua at the diplomat's official residence in Tokyo. Nikai told Cheng that he hopes to visit China with young Japanese lawmakers although the Diet will be in session in October, according to a source with access to their meeting. Nikai also expressed his hope of promoting exchanges between Japanese and Chinese lawmakers, the source added. Tensions have increased between the two countries mainly due to Chinese government ships' repeated intrusions into Japanese waters around the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea, which are also claimed by China. Nikai hopes to help ease the tensions through dialogue with the Chinese side, party sources said. China holds the rotating G-20 presidency this year. END