Japan’s National Security Advisor Yachi Shotaro has started a highly anticipated visit to China.

Shotaro has met with Premier Li Keqiang. The Premier said relations between the two countries are improving, but very fragile. He said they should manage their differences and maintain a positive momentum in ties.

Shotaro’s visit follows a trilateral meeting between China, Japan and South Korea in Tokyo on Aug 24.

Relations between China and Japan have been strained by the Japanese government’s view of history, its purchase of the Diaoyu islands and its move towards changing the pacifist constitution.