This agenda is part of a growing effort to improve relations between Beijing and Tokyo.

According to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning, the Foreign Minister is holding talks with host Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and both are attending the second meeting of the High-Level Consultative Mechanism on Human Exchanges.

According to local press reports, the Foreign Minister said his visit is focused on exploring opportunities to expand cooperation and resolve outstanding issues between the two countries.

In particular, Takeshi Iwaya and his counterpart are expected to discuss the possible cancellation of the import ban on Japanese fishery products which has dominated bilateral negotiations in recent months.

The issue of releasing radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea should also be on the discussion board.

This visit follows the meeting between the presidents of China and Japan last November in Peru, where both leaders agreed to move toward a strategic and mutually beneficial relationship.

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