Tokyo, April 16 (IANS): Top diplomats from Japan and China began the first round of a high level economic dialogue on Monday for the first time in eight years, with an aim to strengthen bilateral relations.

Prior to the dialogue, Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi here on Sunday and reiterated their commitment to improve ties and to work toward the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula, reports Efe news.

They also agreed to first mutual visits by Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese President Xi Jinping, since both leaders assumed offices in 2012.

The thaw in relations between the world's second and third largest economies - which have been strained over the sovereignty of the disputed South China Sea islands - comes at a time when both are apprehensive of the fallouts of the consequences of the trade protectionism policy of the US.

China is also expected to seek Japan's backing for its "One Belt, One Road" initiative, as well as a possible Japanese mediation in the trade war between Beijing and Washington.