Diplomats work to fill the void caused by the Yasukuni issue.

With no end in sight to the stalemate in relations between Japan and China, diplomats are seeking out lower-level channels of communication in an effort to repair the damaged ties, sources say.

Mutual state visits remain halted, due mainly to Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's repeated visits to the war-related Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo.

To compensate for the lack of contact between the top leaders, diplomats on both sides have discussed having their respective vice foreign ministers hold regular meetings. They would discuss bilateral issues and a wide range of topics affecting the two nations.

Vice Foreign Minister Shotaro Yachi on Monday welcomed a Chinese proposal for regular annual discussions with his counterpart in Beijing. A formal agreement is expected soon.

``There is a need to hold discussions and dialogue through various channels, from the top to working-level bureaucrats,'' Yachi said. ``We have to resolve any misunderstandings that may arise.''

The strategic dialogue between the vice foreign ministers of Japan and China would mirror a similar dialogue already under way with the United States.

Regular annual talks between Tokyo and Washington have explored common strategic objectives and divided key roles between the two nations.

The talks with the Chinese vice foreign minister would also cover regional and international, as well as bilateral, issues.

In January, Kenichiro Sasae, director-general of the Foreign Ministry's Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau, proposed during a visit to China the creation of a joint working plan.

While discussing outstanding bilateral issues, such as China's development of the Chunxiao gas fields under the East China Sea, the talks would also attempt to push forward expansion of common interests. This could include increasing the interchange of business and academic leaders and forming a greater East Asia community.

Sources said Chinese officials had expressed interest in the proposal.

Japanese diplomats are seeking to hold a meeting between Koizumi and Chinese President Hu Jintao in the fall, after other meetings are held between the foreign ministers and working-level diplomats.

As part of that plan, government officials hope Foreign Minister Nobutaka Machimura will visit China in April.

Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing also is slated to visit Japan in May for an international conference.(IHT/Asahi: February 9,2005)