Abe postpones stationing officials on Diaoyu Islands

Japan's Kyodo News Agency reports that incoming prime minister, Shinzo Abe, has decided to postpone stationing government officials on the Diaoyu Islands and plans to send an envoy to China.

On Saturday, Abe said ties with China are one of Japan's most important relationships. He said Japan wants to work toward developing a reciprocal relationship. The news report also said Abe is considering sending Liberal Democratic Party Vice President Masahiko Komura as a special envoy to China. Komura is head of the Japanese Association of Lawmakers for Friendship with China.

The LDP won a landslide victory in Japan's lower house election last week, enabling Abe to become Japan's prime minister. Abe has consistently urged strong measures against China. But analysts say he will be pragmatic once in office.