Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Wednesday, August 13, 2003
Japan Regrets for Chinese Chemical Weapons Victims
The Japanese government said Tuesday it feels "extremely regrettable" for the Chinese victims suffering from exposure to chemical weapons left by Japanese troops during World War II.
The Japanese government said Tuesday it feels "extremely regrettable" for the Chinese victims suffering from exposure to chemical weapons left by Japanese troops during World War II.
"The government of Japan considers such an accident extremely regrettable, and also expresses its heartfelt sympathy to the victims, while feeling strong compassion for them," said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Japanese government will "deal with dangerous abandoned chemical weapons as soon as possible, and to properly dispose of them," it said.
The chemical weapons, discovered last week at a construction site in Qiqihar City, northeast Heilongjiang Province, were stored in five metallic barrels, one of which was accidentally broken, causing an oil-like substance to leak out into the soil.
As of early Tuesday, 36 people have been hospitalized following their exposing to these chemical weapons.
The Japanese government will "respond sincerely to the incident and cooperate closely with the Chinese side," said the ministry.
On Monday, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi also expressed sympathy during her talks with visiting Chinese Foreign Ministry Li Zhaoxing.
Li called for high attention from the Japanese government to the issue of Chinese people's health, security and emotions.