Chinese premier urges Japanese leaders to face history squarely

BEIJING, March 15 -- If Japanese leaders could face history squarely, new chances would emerge for the improvement of China-Japan relations, Premier Li Keqiang said Sunday.

With this year marking the 70th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War, China-Japan relations now face both "a test and an opportunity," noted the premier.

The Chinese people suffered greatly from the invading Japanese militarists 70 years ago, Li said, pointing out that the Japanese nation was also a victim.

The current difficulties in China-Japan relations relates to the attitude toward history, and it is the responsibility of national leaders to face up to their countries' past, Li stressed.

Should Japanese leaders correct their stance on history and maintain it that way, there would be new opportunities for China and Japan to improve their relations, he said.

As a result, he added, that would lay a firmer foundation for the development of bilateral trade and economic cooperation.

Li made the remarks at a press conference after the conclusion of the annual session of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature.