Chinese leaders want a quick end to a territorial dispute with Japan over lucrative gas fields, but a spokesman stopped short of saying a deal would emerge during Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda's visit.
"We are devoted to the proper settlement of the East China Sea issue," Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said just before Fukuda arrived in Beijing yesterday. His plane landed in a dense fog.
Fukuda promised to capitalize on a recent thaw in relations to reverse a history of animosity between the Asian giants.
He was slated to hold talks with President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao today as part of a four-day visit that comes amid steadily growing economic ties and a pause in rhetoric over their historical grievances.
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Fukuda will also tour Tianjin, Jinan and Qufu in east China before returning home on Sunday.
"I will do everything in my power to build good relations," Fukuda said as he set off from Japan. "I plan to hold candid discussions. I am prepared to relay my views as well as listen to theirs."
A senior Japanese official said the countries would sign agreements on stepping up youth exchanges and cooperating in science and technology to combat climate change.
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