NHK has learned that arrangements are being made for Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa to travel to Beijing late this month to meet with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi.

This would be the first such visit by a Japanese foreign minister in about three years.

This development comes after Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and Chinese President Xi Jinping held the first face-to-face Japan-China summit in about three years while in Thailand last month. They agreed to promote close communications at all levels, including summits.

Ties between the two countries have been chilly. Chinese ships have repeatedly entered Japanese waters around the Senkaku Islands. Japan controls the islands. The Japanese government maintains the islands are an inherent part of Japan's territory. China and Taiwan claim them.

During the possible meeting, Hayashi is expected to convey to Wang that Japan wants to continue dialogue with China and build a constructive and stable relationship through efforts by both sides.

The foreign ministers are also expected to exchange views to revitalize private-sector exchanges, which have significantly decreased due to the pandemic.