Gyeongju, Oct. 31 -- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Chinese President Xi Jinping will hold their first meeting on Friday afternoon in South Korea, the Japanese government announced, Kyodo News reported.

The meeting between the two leaders, taking place on the sidelines of the two-day Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, marks their first encounter since Takaichi assumed office as Japan's prime minister last week.

According to Kyodo News, the talks are expected to focus on reaffirming both nations' commitment to promoting a "strategic and mutually beneficial relationship" while pursuing "constructive and stable" ties amid strained relations.

The bilateral meeting comes as Beijing adopts a cautious app...