Leaders of Japan and China meet. Meeting for the first time in several months during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting, Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan and Chinese President Hu Jintao held discussions intended to ease their countries’ relations following an issue that arose from disputed territorial islands. They concluded with an agreement to further bilateral ties. On Sunday, Japanese Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara and Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi also met, with both pledging increased efforts to resume high-level dialogue. Foreign Minister Yang said, “We need to build a climate and conditions conducive to resuming negotiations so we can make the East China Sea an ocean of peace, cooperation and friendship.”

Our respectful accolades and appreciation, leaders and dignitaries of China and Japan, for your mutually conciliatory endeavors. May the people of both your countries be graced with ever expanding harmony and cooperation.