China calls for historical sensitivity from Japan
( 2003-10-14 21:39) (Xinhua)
Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue said the proper treatment of
historical issues formed the political basis of Sino-Japanese relations, as had
been stressed by Premier Wen Jiabao when meeting with Japanese Prime Minister
Junichiro Koizumi in Bali, Indonesia.
She said China hoped Japan treated issues, including the Yasukuni Shrine
visit, in line with the principle of "taking history as a mirror and looking
forward to the future".
She said China valued relations with Japan, and hoped to see continued
exchanges of high-level visits, which entailed efforts from both sides. However,
at such an important period for the development of China-Japan relations, China
felt puzzled by the remarks of the Japanese side concerning the Yasukuni Shrine
visit.
Koizumi has announced that he will visit the shrine, a symbol of Japanese
militarism which honors more than 2.5 million Japanese World War II dead,
including 14 Class-A war criminals, every year.
Zhang hoped Japan would see clearly the importance of historical issues in
the two countries' relations and the sensitivity of the Yasukuni Shrine, observe
the principles set forth in the three important political documents, including
the Sino-Japanese Joint Statement, and give real importance to the good
development of bilateral ties.
She said both China and Japan must continue efforts to maintain exchanges of
high-level visits.
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