China's state-run Xinhua News Agency plans to establish a bureau in Fukuoka as soon as this year, its president said.
Li Congjun revealed the plan Friday in a meeting with a visiting delegation of news representatives from Kyushu and Okinawa headed by Takao Kawasaki, president of the Fukuoka-based Nishinippon Shimbun.
Li said Xinhua wants to expand its coverage of both Kyushu and Okinawa, and strengthen cooperation with local media there. Xinhua currently has bureaus in Tokyo and Osaka.
On Sino-Japanese relations, badly strained by the Senkaku territorial dispute and differing perceptions of history, Li said the countries have a monumental task ahead of them.
It is important that the media on both sides play an active role in improving bilateral relations, he said, adding that the delegation's visit to China is a positive step in this direction.