Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe addresses the 6th China-Japan-ROK Business Summit in Tokyo, Japan, May 9, 2018. (Photo: VCG)

BEIJING -- China has invited Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for a visit at a time convenient for both sides, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said Thursday.

"Diplomatic authorities of the two countries are maintaining communication on this issue," Lu told a daily press briefing, calling on the two sides to "meet each other halfway" to facilitate a favorable environment for the visit.

Lu made the remarks in response to media reports that Abe plans to visit China as early as in October.