Japan 'to send special envoy'

Japan's incoming Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will send a special envoy to China, media reports said, amid tension over the Diaoyu Islands.

Beijing blasted controversial provisions on Sunday in a defense bill passed by the US Senate, which acknowledges "the administration of Japan" over the islands and urges arms sales to Taiwan.

Observers said that Abe's gesture does not mean any concessions on the islands are in the offing.