Beijing, Tokyo agree to improve ties in 2011

Favorable atmosphere sought for 40th anniversary of relationship

BEIJING - Beijing and Tokyo agreed on Monday that 2011 would be a defining year for bilateral relations, marking a bid to smooth ties after the maritime dispute last September.

The agreement was reached at the 11th China-Japan strategic dialogue in Tokyo, between Vice-Foreign Minister Zhang Zhijun and his Japanese counterpart Kenichiro Sasae, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.