Japanese and Chinese scholars agreed Tuesday on specific
historical topics they will jointly study at a two-day meeting in
Tokyo, in an effort to narrow difference between the two countries
on historical issues.
The China-Japan Joint History Research Committee, consists of 10
researchers and scholars from each side, decided to form two
subcommittees to research on important issues in "ancient and
medieval history" and "modern history" between the two countries
respectively, committee members said.
Three major topics including six subjects will be discussed at
the "ancient and medieval history" subcommittee, while the "modern
history" subcommittee will deal with nine topics on three periods.
The topics range from history of exchanges between China and Japan
over 2,000 years, war in modern times to recent ties between the
two neighbors in the past 50 years or so.
The scholars decided to form research results of each topic by
December at their third meeting, and submit joint research reports
by June 2008 based on thorough discussions and revisions before
they meet for the fourth time.
During a meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso on
Monday, Bu Ping, director of the Institute of Modern History at the
Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said that the joint history
study is an important task for the interests of both nations.
Bu, who led the Chinese delegation, said that the scholars from
both side should be responsible for the joint research. He also
expressed the hope that the progress in joint study will promote
understandings between the two peoples and close gaps between their
perceptions of history. Bu hoped that the meeting can help create
friendly environment for Premier Wen Jiabao's upcoming visit to
Japan and help boost bilateral ties. Aso said that he agreed with
Bu.
The Japanese team was led by Shinichi Kitaoka, professor of
University of Tokyo.
The two sides held their first meeting in December 2006 in
Beijing, where they settled the work process, scope and topics for
joint research, and discussed the 2,000 years of history of
China-Japan exchanges and modern and post-World War II history in
two groups.
(Xinhua News Agency March 21, 2007)
