Chinese President Hu Jintao said Saturday that if political relations improve, he would like to visit Japan at an appropriate time.
The remarks came during a meeting with Japan's new ambassador to China. Yuji Miyamoto, who assumed his post in April, was presenting his credentials. It is the first time Hu has spoken of a possible visit to Japan since taking office in March 2003.
Miyamoto conveyed messages from both Emperor Akihito and Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi expressing hope for improved bilateral ties.
In response, Hu reiterated his basic position that the relationship is important for both nations, according to embassy officials.
"The relationship between Japan and China is facing a difficult stage. This is something that we would not like to see," he said, and refrained from mentioning specific issues such as Yasukuni Shrine.
"I hope the political obstacles can be removed and the bilateral relationship get back on a progressive course," he said.
Ties between the two Asian giants are frosty due to such issues as Koizumi's yearly visits to Yasukuni.
China and South Korea, whose people suffered at the hands of Japan's wartime aggression, see the shrine as a symbol of past militarism and have criticized the visits.