Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue said in Beijing
Sunday that the correct understanding and handling of history
should form the political foundation of Sino-Japanese
relations.
Japanese Prime Minister Koizumi Junichiro said he would again
visit Yasukuni Shrine, the temple that honored Class-A war
criminals of World War II, when he attended the 10+3 meeting in
Bali, Indonesia. Koizumi also claimed his act had been accepted by
China and thus formed no barrier for Sino-Japanese friendship.
Zhang said such remarks were hard to understand when the
relationship was undergoing an important development period.
She hoped the Japanese understand the sensitivity of the
Yasukuni Shrine issue, observe the principles set forth in the
three important political documents including the Sino-Japanese
Joint Statement, and adhere to "taking history as a mirror and
looking forward to the future".
She also hoped that Japan do nothing to hurt the feelings of the
Chinese people, and help push forward the healthy and steady growth
of Sino-Japanese ties.
(Xinhua News Agency October 13, 2003)