China and Japan agreed to maintain the dialogue process after concluding their first strategic talks here Friday, a press release from China's Foreign Ministry said Friday night.

"The two sides agreed that the two-day dialogue was positive and helpful," the ministry said in the release, without giving any details.

Chinese vice Foreign Minister Dai Bingguo and Japan's Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Shotaro Yachi hosted the talks.

On Saturday morning, Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing met with Yachi, the ministry said.
 
(Xinhua News Agency May 15, 2005)