A Japanese ministry official stated that Japan will urge for a prompt resolution to a disagreement with China regarding disputed gas fields during upcoming talks in Beijing. Relations between the two countries have improved in the past year, as evidenced by a recent port call by a Chinese missile destroyer in Tokyo. However, the dispute over developing natural gas in the East China Sea has not shown much progress. The official expressed hope that China will make a political decision to reach a final agreement on the issue, emphasizing the importance of finding a resolution. Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura is expected to bring up the matter in discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi on Saturday. Subsequent discussions will cover topics such as macro-economic policies, Beijing's currency reforms, climate change, and trade and investment. The 11th round of talks regarding natural gas development in the East China Sea concluded without progress earlier this month, leading to concerns that it could impact a planned visit to China by Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda. However, China denied this suggestion, stating that the gas dispute was not a condition for Fukuda's visit. The Japanese government clarified that while resolving the issue was not a prerequisite for the visit, both countries had previously agreed to report on a compromise to their leaders in the autumn. He mentioned that now is the right time for them to increase their efforts, with concerns not only about economic implications but also Japanese public opinion. Both parties are keen on obtaining new oil and gas supplies but have differing views on the maritime boundary that should divide their exclusive economic zones. In April, China's CNOOC Ltd announced that they had started gas production in Tianwaitian field and were prepared to do the same in the Chunxiao field, causing worries in Japan about potential gas depletion from what they believe is their side of the zone.