natsuo yamaguchi told xi his visit marks the first step in improving relations. he says it's important to continue dialogue leading to a bilateral summit. xi jinping said he respects abe. he said abe was active in strengthening ties the last time he was prime minister and he said he hopes abe will continue with that work. >> translator: i hope this meeting will improve japan/china relations. it reflects china's desire to improves ties. >>> xi referred to the dispute over the senkaku islands in the east china sea. japan controls the territory but china and taiwan claims it. he said china and japan differ on the matter and it's important to resolve tissue through dialogue. he said facing up to history will lead to a better future. some experts on japan/china relations say the chinese leaders comments are too vague. we spoke with a professor to teaches international relations in kyoto. >> translator: the chinese government hopes that japan will head in the same direction as china and take meaningful steps to restore and improve bilateral ties. >>> some experts on ja

natsuo yamaguchi told xi his visit marks the first step in improving relations. he says it's important to continue dialogue leading to a bilateral summit. xi jinping said he respects abe. he said abe was active in strengthening ties the last time he was prime minister and he said he hopes abe will continue with that work. >> translator: i hope this meeting will improve japan/china relations. it reflects china's desire to improves ties. >>> xi referred to the dispute over the senkaku islands in the east china sea. japan controls the territory but china and taiwan claims it. he said china and japan differ on the matter and it's important to resolve tissue through dialogue. he said facing up to history will lead to a better future. some experts on japan/china relations say the chinese leaders comments are too vague. we spoke with a professor to teaches international relations in kyoto. >> translator: the chinese government hopes that japan will head in the same direction as china and take meaningful steps to restore and improve bilateral ties. >>> some experts on ja