In an apparent effort to reverse a series of setbacks in Japan-China relations, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has proposed holding talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the APEC summit in November.

The annual meeting of Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders will take place in Beijing.

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Speaking before a parliamentary committee, Abe said he wanted to have a summit with China's leader to revive the element of mutual respect between their countries.

Abe's call for talks comes after bilateral ties suffered because of an ongoing dispute over a group of islands in the East China Sea which both Japan and China claim.

Relations dipped further after Beijing established the East China Sea Air Identification Zone in November and Abe visited the Yasukuni Shrine, which honors Japanese war criminals, in December.

Abe told parliament he was always open for dialogue. He added that although Japan's relationship with China is not in good shape, both sides should work together to prevent further deterioration in ties.

The prime minister also noted that trade relations between Japan and China remained strong and that "even if our ties are strained, they cannot be broken."

The Chinese Foreign Ministry reacted with caution to Abe's statement. It said Japan should make a serious effort to clear away all political obstacles to improving bilateral ties.

If the proposed talks between Abe and Xi push through, it will be their first bilateral meeting since assuming office in 2012.

Despite Abe's call for dialogue, he appeared unwilling to compromise on visits to the Yasukuni Shrine, saying he wanted to continue giving honor to those who fought and died for Japan.

Abe also defended his government's decision to reinterpret Japan's anti-war constitution to allow the military to aid allies under attack.

Both the shrine visit and Japan's expanded military role have drawn criticism from China.

TagsAPEC summit, Japan-China talks