Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 46: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the ongoing deterioration in Chinese-Japanese relations; the discussions he has contributed to at international and European level in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13544/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I have followed with concern the reports of recent tensions between China and Japan. Our embassies in Beijing and Tokyo continue to monitor the political situation in both countries and the wider region. We have made our concerns known to the authorities in Beijing and Tokyo.

I therefore welcome the recent bilateral meeting which took place between the Chinese President, Mr. Hu Jintao, and the Japanese Prime Minister, Mr. Junichiro Koizumi, on the margins of the Asia-Africa summit in Jakarta on 23 April. After their meeting, both leaders are reported to have conveyed their desire to resolve the difficulties. It is to be hoped that both countries will continue to work to resolve these matters through constructive dialogue.