At the meeting, held on the sidelines of a two-day summit of the Group of 20 major and emerging economies in the German city, Abe expressed his hope to enhance cooperation with China over the North Korea issue, saying the reclusive nation now poses a new level of threat.

In reply, Xi opposed sanctions Japan, the United States and South Korea are imposing on North Korea, according to officials with access to the meeting.

Meanwhile, Abe and Xi agreed to step up their dialogue.

"I want to pave the way for (the leaders') reciprocal visits (for bilateral summits) by realizing a Japan-China-South Norea summit at an early date," Abe was quoted as saying.

The Japanese prime minister called for improving the East China Sea situation, in which Chinese government ships have repeatedly intruded into Japanese waters, the officials also said. (Jiji Press)