Secret talks held over Diaoyu Islands

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Chinese and Japanese diplomats met secretly over the weekend to discuss the Diaoyu Islands, Tokyo confirmed on Wednesday, in a sign that lines of communication remain open between the two countries.

The meeting between the vice-ministers of foreign affairs, the second in a month, came as relations experienced a period of severe turbulence after Japan "purchased" the islands in September.

Despite the meeting, reports emerged on Wednesday that Japanese Defense Minister Satoshi Morimoto watched a drill simulating the landing on an uninhabited island. The Japanese media said the drill was "targeting China".

Japanese Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Chikao Kawai met Chinese officials, including his counterpart, Zhang Zhijun, in Shanghai over the weekend to discuss the Diaoyu Islands, Japanese media said on Wednesday.

Kyodo News reported that the two nations agreed to "enhance communication".

"I am aware of the reports," Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura said at a regular news conference in Tokyo.

"That was part of the communication going on between Japan and China in various forms and at various levels. It just shows we are in constant contact at many levels."

Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said on Wednesday in Beijing that the countries had always been in contact, especially over the Diaoyu Islands.

Relations plunged after the Japanese government "purchased" the islands from a Japanese "owner" last month, triggering massive protests and calls to boycott Japanese products across China.

Questions:

1. What is the name of the disputed islands?

2. Who attended the meeting?

3. What is the name of China’ Foreign Ministry spokesman?

Answers:

1. Diaoyu Islands.

2. Vice-ministers of foreign affairs.

3. Hong Lei.

About the broadcaster:

Lee Hannon is Chief Editor at China Daily with 15-years experience in print and broadcast journalism. Born in England, Lee has traveled extensively around the world as a journalist including four years as a senior editor in Los Angeles. He now lives in Beijing and is happy to move to China and join the China Daily team.