BEIJING - Major Japanese media outlets have named improving ties with China the top task for Japan's cabinet in 2011 in their special new year coverage.

The Kyodo News Agency said it is a diplomatic priority for Japan to improve the deteriorated Sino-Japanese relations since a maritime collision in waters around China's Diaoyu Islands in September made the bilateral ties suffer a nosedive.

The Mainichi Daily News also said Japan should improve its relations with China - while reinforcing the Japan-US alliance.