China-Japan ties suffer over Diaoyu Islands dispute

Relations between China and Japan went through tough times this year over the Diaoyu Islands territorial dispute. But neither country's has let matters slip out of control. With both countries having undergone their leadership transitions, the new men in charge are expected to seek dialogue.

Seeking a thaw with Beijing. The new Japanese Ambassador to Japan Masato Kitera arrived on Tuesday. He's been charged with mending ties strained by a bitter territorial row over the Diaoyu Islands.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying welcomed his new mission.

Hua Chunying said, "We've noted some of the new Japanese ambassador's positive remarks. We expect him to be committed to improving China-Japan relations and gaining a better understanding of China through active engagement with the Chinese people."

Beijing and Tokyo have long been contending over the sovereignty of the islands known as Diaoyu in China and Senkaku in Japan.

In August, 14 Chinese nationals who landed on the islands to defend China's claims were illegally detained by Japan.

Tensions reached their peak in mid-September when the Japanese government illegally "purchased" part of the Diaoyu Islands.