Beijing, China (AHN) – A recent demonstration by hundreds of right-wing extremists before the Chinese embassy in Tokyo, Saturday, elicited a public statement of “deep concern” from a spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Ma Zhaoxu, significantly hinting that China is now seeking to renew relations with Japan after a tense diplomatic row that lasted approximately two months.

China and Japan are important neighbors. There are some sensitive and complicated issues between the two nations, and we suggest they be resolved by dialogue to maintain the strategic relationship of mutual benefit,” said Ma in Beijing, this Sunday.

The statement came as demonstrations in both China and Japan were heightened as a result of the two countries’ conflicting territorial claims over the disputed islands in the East China Sea and where a Chinese fishing boat collided with a Japanese coast guard vessel.

The captain of the trawler was arrested and detained for several days in Japan amid repeated protests from China for his release.

After the release of the fishing boat captain last month, Chinese anti-Japan protests were held before the Japanese embassy in Beijing. This was reciprocated in kind by the Japanese demonstration before the Chinese embassy in Tokyo last Saturday.

At present, Japan is attempting to arrange a summit with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao at this month’s meeting of ASEAN (i.e., Association of Southeast Asian Nations) in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam.

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