Shinzo Abe kicked off his first overseas visit since his election victory in a bid, analysts said, to bolster Japan's regional influence and try to contain China.China alert to escalation Chinese leader calls for talks Comment: Abe's dangerous doctrine
Yukio Hatoyama will meet key Chinese officials to exchange views on the lingering tensions between the two largest economies in Asia.China plans Diaoyu Islands mapping US and Japan conduct joint drill
Japan's growth hurt by row with China
China said Friday that Chinese military planes were on "routine flights" in relevant airspace over the East China Sea.Speed called for on maritime law
US calls for calm over islands
China will accelerate work on long-awaited legislation on maritime affairs this year amid rising sea disputes with neighboring countries, a top official said.
China vows to beef up maritime security
Cheng Yonghua, China's ambassador to Japan, rejected a protest by Tokyo over Chinese vessels patrolling waters off the Diaoyu Islands.
Patrol fleet busy due to islets dispute
Japan's diplomacy seeks to isolate China
China's Defense Ministry on Thursday said the Chinese military "closely monitors" and is "highly vigilant" concerning relevant Japanese Air Self-Defense Force activity in the airspace over the Diaoyu Islands.Japanese aircraft harass Chinese plane China sends patrol vessel to South China Sea
Japan's new ambassador arrived in Beijing on Tuesday as the country's incoming Prime Minister Shinzo Abe picked a new foreign minister.
Special: Diaoyu Island Dispute Japan ambassador: Warmer economic ties needed China on alert for Japanese fighter jets
China is on alert after Japan dispatched fighter jets to airspace over the East China Sea, a Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said Tuesday.Special: Diaoyu Island Dispute Comment: Easing tension over islands
Tokyo's new ambassador to China Monday expressed his country's desire to boost economic links to thaw cooling ties amid tension over the Diaoyu Islands.
China voices expectations for new Japan envoy
Special: Diaoyu Island Dispute Comment: Easing tension over islands
The East and South China seas have been eventful in 2012 with several of China's neighbors stirring up sovereignty issues. Laudably, China has responded firmly but with restraint.
Japan's incoming Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will send a special envoy to China, media reports said, amid tension over the Diaoyu Islands.Special: Diaoyu Island Dispute Abe acts tough on islands disputes
"Improving the bilateral relationship will be my top priority. It's big challenge for me," Japan's new ambassador to China Masato Kitera said in a recent interview with Chinese media at the Japanese Foreign Affairs Ministry.