US welcomes China-Japan initiative to reduce tensions: Kerry

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, who comes to attend the 26th APEC Ministerial Meeting, holds a press conference at the China National Convention Center in Beijing, China, Nov. 8, 2014. (Xinhua/Yin Gang)

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Saturday that the United States welcomes China and Japan's new initiative to reduce tensions, saying it is a "very constructive" initial effort.[Special coverage]

China and Japan on Friday reached a four-point agreement to improve bilateral ties, agreeing to resume political, diplomatic and security dialogue.

"Any steps the two countries can take to improve the relationship and reduce the tensions is helpful not just to those two countries but it's helpful to the region," the top U.S. diplomat said at a press briefing on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministerial Meeting in Beijing.

The U.S. official also said the China-Japan consensus "is a beginning, not the end" in mending bilateral relations, adding that "so over time, this will be given a little more meat on the bones."

"We absolutely appreciate the initial effort. We think it's very constructive," he added.

Kerry also said the United States is committed to working with other APEC members on topics including job creation, enhancing women's role in economic development, fighting corruption, education and clean energy development.