Chinese and Japanese diplomats are expected to meet in Beijing next Monday to discuss bilateral relations and disputes between the two neighbors.

 

The one-day "working level informal contact" will be held between direct-general level officials, according to a source with the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

 

The meeting will focus on Sino-Japanese relations, which have been upset by Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's visits to the Yasukuni Shrine to show respect for Japan's war dead, including various World War II criminals.

 

The two sides will also discuss disputes in the East China Sea and other issues, the source said.

 

China and Japan held three rounds of consultations on the East China Sea issue and agreed to seek a peaceful solution.

 

(Xinhua News Agency January 7, 2006)