Leaders agree on early solution to gas disputes

TOKYO: The leaders of China and Japan yesterday agreed to step up talks to reach an early deal on the disputes over gas fields in the East China Sea.

"Prospects for settling the disputes are already in view," President Hu Jintao told a press conference after a summit meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda.

"We have decided to continue consultations to reach an agreement as soon as possible," Hu said.