Beijing rules out contact with Abe at Olympic ceremonies

Beijing ruled out "any form of contact" between Chinese and Japanese leaders as the two are bound for the opening ceremony of the Sochi Winter Olympic Games in February.

Addressing a news briefing in Beijing on Jan 21, Deputy Foreign Minister Cheng Guoping, told reporters that China’s stance concerning a meeting with Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has been clear.

"Before the Japanese leader corrects his erroneous position … China will not consider any form of contact with the Japanese leader during the Sochi Winter Olympic Games," Cheng said.

In December, Abe visited the Yasukuni Shrine, which worships 14 Class-A WWII war criminals.

The visit has angered many countries, including China and South Korea, which were victimized by the Japanese troops during the war.

Cheng also said that Xi has a tight schedule during his stay in Sochi and a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin has been arranged.