BEIJING - China and the Republic of Korea (ROK) have decided to start talks on maritime demarcation at an early date, according to an action plan issued on Thursday.

"The two sides reconfirmed the vital importance of maritime demarcation in advancing bilateral ties, as well as boosting maritime cooperation," says an agreement signed after President Xi Jinping held talks with his ROK counterpart Park Geun-hye Thursday afternoon.

Park arrived in Beijing on Thursday for her first state visit to China since taking office in February.

"(The two sides) have decided to launch maritime demarcation talks as soon as possible, so as to advance the process of maritime demarcation," the plan says.

The two sides agreed to boost communication and cooperation, strengthen joint surveillance and management and enhance joint studies to protect fishery resources in relevant waters.

China and the ROK will also increase exchanges on historical studies, according to the action plan.