Xi urges Japan to take cautious approach on military and security issues
Chinese and Japanese leaders hold discussions in symbolic bid to thaw frosty relations, but Xi emphasises 'rights and wrongs' are very clear
President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held their first meeting in two years in Beijing, making a symbolic move to break the ice between the world's second and third-largest economies.
The two leaders met for about half an hour on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit that concludes today. Many observers said it was an important first step to contain escalating tensions between the two sides.
The bilateral relationship - crucial to the region's peace and stability - has deteriorated since Abe took power in 2012. The two countries have sparred over disputed maritime territories, wartime history and perceived military threats from the other side.
Xi looked frosty when greeting Abe at the Great Hall of the People. Both appeared stern and strained in front of the cameras as they shook hands, and they did not speak before going into a closed-door meeting.
It was not clear if the tension eased at the state dinner hosted by Xi afterwards, where the president and first lady Peng Liyuan chatted amiably with Russia President Vladimir Putin and US President Barack Obama.
The Chinese foreign ministry said that Xi met the Japanese prime minister "in response to the [Japanese] request".
Experts said the attempt to downplay the meeting highlighted Beijing's reluctance to appear soft towards Japan in front of a highly nationalistic public.
