Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso's planned visit to China in late March has been postponed until April or later, Kyodo News reported Tuesday.

According to Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone, the deferment of Aso's visit was due to scheduling problems.

"As part of the shuttle diplomacy and especially amid the current global economic conditions, we have been arranging with the Chinese side for a summit meeting as early as possible, but it is my understanding that it would be difficult to realize it in March," Nakasone was quoted as saying.

(Xinhua News Agency March 17, 2009)