FM: Shrine visit mirrors Japan's stance on history

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Thursday, April 01, 2004

FM: Shrine visit mirrors Japan's stance on history

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The Japanese leaders' visits to the Yasukuni Shrine are a reflection of the Japanese government's stance and attitude toward the war that once deeply hurt the feelings of the people of China and other Asian countries, said a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Thursday.

Kong Quan told a regular press conference that the Japanese leaders should take history as a mirror and look into the future. More importantly, the Japanese side should draw on lessons from history, Kong added.

China hopes the historical issue between the two countries can be resolved effectively so as to push forward the Sino-Japanese cooperation, Kong said.

As the two largest countries in East Asia, the Chinese and Japanese people have enjoyed long-term friendship and the two countries have a lot in common in many issues, said Kong. Bilateral cooperation will contribute to benefiting the two peoples and promoting peace and stability in the region.

In regard to Diaoyu Islands issue, Kong said Diaoyu Island and the attached islets have been a part of the Chinese territory since ancient times and China has indisputable sovereignty over these islands according to history and law.

China and Japan have differences on the Diaoyu Islands issue, and China has insisted on solving it through peaceful negotiations, Kong said.

Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing will hold talks with Japanese Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi on historical issues between the two countries during her upcoming visit to China, Kong said.

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