Japanese and Chinese officials meet in Beijing to commemorate 40 years of diplomatic relations between the two Asian nations.
But recent tension over disputed islands in the East China Sea hung heavy over the intended celebrations.
The meeting in the Great Hall of the People was among the few remaining events commemorating the anniversary -- numerous exchange and cultural plans were cancelled, mostly by China.
The former Japanese Foreign Minister said that he came to Beijing "with a heavy heart" due to recent anti-Japan protests in China because of the dispute.
China for its part expressed its strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to Japan's position in regard to the islands.
Both countries claim ownership of the islands that Japan calls "Senkaku" and China calls "Diaoyu" - the spat has triggered violent protests and hurt trade between Asia's two biggest economies.
