Beijing said on Friday that it looks forward to having "a thorough exchange of views with Japan on maritime issues of mutual interest and strengthening mutual understanding and trust" at the upcoming fourth China-Japan high-level consultations on maritime affairs.

"Upon agreement, China and Japan will hold the fourth round of high-level consultation on maritime affairs in Xiamen, Fujian Province, on December 7 and 8,” said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying at a regular news conference on Friday.

The mechanism of China-Japan high-level consultations on maritime affairs is a comprehensive tool for communication and coordination on maritime affairs.

Previously China and Japan had agreed to hold the 4th round of high-level consultation on maritime affairs within 2015.

"Departments of Foreign Affairs, National Defense, Maritime Law Enforcement and Oceanic Administration of both sides will send officials to the consultation," Hua said.