Former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama urged the government on Wednesday to acknowledge a territorial dispute exists with China over the Japanese-controlled Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea.
"The Japanese government says there are no territorial disputes (between the two countries). But if you look at history, there is a dispute," Hatoyama told reporters after talks in Beijing with Jia Qinglin, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the country's top political advisory body.
"While acknowledging different views and the existence of a dispute with each other, it is important (for the two governments to) seek an answer" through dialogue, said Hatoyama, known as a pro-China figure who pursued a more Asia-centered foreign policy when he briefly led Japan between September 2009 and June 2010.