Sources: Japan PM Kan may pay visit to China next year

BEIJING - Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan is considering visiting China next spring in an effort to improve soured bilateral ties, Japanese media reported citing government sources.

The Kyodo News Agency said on Thursday night that if the visit takes place, Kan hopes to improve the bilateral "strategic and mutually beneficial relationship" between the two nations.

The Japanese government will seek opportunities to create conditions for Kan's visit through all kinds of dialogue, and may send Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara to visit China to pave the way for Kan, Kyodo said.