Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda is considering sending a special envoy to China as tensions continue to escalate between Beijing and Tokyo over disputed islands in the East China Sea.

Appearing on TV Asahi on Wednesday, Noda said he is considering sending a special envoy to China to explain Japan’s stance on nationalizing the Senkaku Islands, which China refers to as Diaoyu and also claims sovereignty of.

Meanwhile, a ceremony marking the 40th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Japan will be held next Thursday as planned. Initially, there were rumors that the ceremony could be canceled due to anti-Japan rallies in China.