CHINA gave short shrift today to a statement by Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary that an upcoming summit in Beijing might be a good opportunity to rebuild regional relations.

Yoshihide Suga said that the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (Apec) meeting would provide a “natural” environment for Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese President Xi Jinping to meet.

“Apec is where world leaders gather and I believe it would be quite appropriate to hold talks on the sidelines,” Mr Suga said at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Japan.

He said that the world’s second and third largest economies must act as responsible members of the international community.

However Beijing Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang dismissed the proposal and questioned Tokyo’s sincerity.

“China-Japan relations are facing severe difficulty,” said Mr Qin, repeating China’s objections to Mr Abe’s visit to the Yasukuni war shrine where 20th century war criminals are revered. 

He also cited disputes over a number of islands in the East China Sea and exploitation of undersea gas deposits in the area.

“If the Japanese side does not correct its attitude or take concrete actions, the relationship between China and Japan will not recover,” he said.

It’s highly unusual for the leaders of the two countries not to meet for so long after taking office. 

Mr Abe became prime minister in December 2012, while Mr Xi assumed the presidency in March 2013.