Japan to continue dialogue with China

Japanese government officials say they will continue consultations with China on holding a foreign ministers' meeting later this week despite worsening ties between the two countries. China informed Japan that it is cancelling a ceremony in Beijing on Thursday marking the 40th anniversary of normalizing diplomatic ties, according to Japan's (NHK WORLD) website. Japanese officials say Japan's nationalization of the disputed Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea was likely a factor behind the decision. They say the Chinese government apparently has to show its tough stance against Japan to its people. The officials say that even though relations are worsening, it is important that the two countries continue dialogue in a level-headed manner. They say they will try to arrange a meeting between Japan's Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba and his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi this week in New York. Both foreign ministers will attend the UN General Assembly. Some lawmakers, who had planned to attend the ceremony in Beijing, say they want to visit China as scheduled to deepen exchanges with its leaders. Japan's government plans to call on China to hold other events marking the anniversary as planned.