China, Japan unite in support for sanctions on North Korea

The Japanese and Chinese foreign ministers also discussed the often-strained relationship between their countries

The foreign ministers of China and Japan have reaffirmed their nations' commitment to the full implementation of United Nations sanctions against North Korea over its recent nuclear tests and missile launches.

China's Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Japanese counterpart, Fumio Kishida, also called for new talks with North Korea on nuclear disarmament.

The ministry said that in a phone conversation yesterday, the two ministers also discussed the often-strained relationship between their countries, with Wang urging Japan to make "constructive efforts" to improve ties.

Wang told reporters at a news conference last week that he saw "little ground for optimism" in the outlook for China-Japan relations. While giving no specifics, he accused Japanese leaders and politicians of "making trouble for China at every turn".