A group of lawmakers from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party will meet with Yu Zhengsheng, the fourth-highest ranking member of the Communist Party of China, on Friday as the two countries work to repair bilateral relations badly damaged by territorial and historical issues.
Former Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan acknowledged the schedule Wednesday night during a meeting in Beijing with the group, headed by LDP lawmaker Takeshi Noda.
"I informed China's top leadership of your visit a long time ago and the leadership is placing great importance on your visit," Tang told the six-member group at the outset of the meeting at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse.