The Japanese and Chinese vice foreign ministers are meeting in Beijing amid a rift between the two countries over the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea. The meeting between Chikao Kawai from Japan and China's Zhang Zhijun began at the Chinese foreign ministry on Tuesday morning, according to Japan's (NHK WORLD) website. Zhang said at the outset that their meeting is drawing attention because the Japanese vice foreign minister came to China to discuss the Senkakus. The Chinese government reacted sharply to Japan's recent nationalization of the islands. Kawai is expected to explain the background and process of Japan's nationalization of the Senkakus and seek China's understanding. He will also urge China to respond calmly from a broader perspective and stress the undesirable impact on bilateral relations. China's Zhang said the meeting was at Japan's request and that his country will ask Japan to correct its mistake and strive to improve ties.