China is urging Japan to work together to bring ties back on track.

Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono expressed hopes for improved relations with China during talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing on Sunday. Wang said China values Japan's positive signal on improving relations. He said Japan should keep up the momentum and avoid falling back, and turn words into action for normal and healthy relations. It is Kono's first visit to China as foreign minister, and the first by any Japanese foreign minister since 2016.