Newly appointed Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Toshihiro Nikai said he favors a "patient, but persistent" approach toward improving strained relations with China caused by a protracted bilateral squabble over natural gas fields in the East China Sea.
"It's easy to make strong statements, but what is important is dialogue," said Nikai in an interview Tuesday, indicating his approach to the issue may differ from the hardline stance adopted by his predecessor, Shoichi Nakagawa.
In working-level talks between the two countries that were held from Sept. 30 to Oct. 1, China promised to consider Japan's proposal that the neighbors jointly develop gas fields located midway between mainland China and Japan. Beijing has not yet responded.