Hu urges Japan to face history, not war shrine
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2004-11-23 00:44

President Hu Jintao urged Japan to properly treat its war time history with an eye to the future, and called for a halt to visits by Japanese leaders to a shrine honouring World War II criminals.

President Hu shakes hand with Japanese Prime Minister Koizumi after the conclusion of the 12th Economic Leaders' Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) forum. [Reuters]

In a Sunday meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi after the conclusion of the 12th Economic Leaders' Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) forum, Hu said Sino-Japanese ties should be strengthened and the leaders of both countries should actively promote bilateral relations from a strategic point of view.

Sino-Japanese relations have made considerable headway since the two countries established diplomatic ties 32 years ago, Hu said, adding that co-operation in many fields has been fruitful.

Today's ties are no easy achievement and should be highly valued and cherished by both sides, he said.

President Hu Jintao shakes hands with Japan's Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi at a bilateral meeting after the annual APEC summit in Santiago, November 21, 2004. APEC leaders wrapped up their two day summit in Santiago on Sunday. [Reuters]

The development of long-term friendly Sino-Japanese relations is of greater significance today than ever before, and the leadership of both countries should keep their eyes on the future and actively push for steady and sound development of bilateral relations.

In order to achieve this, Hu put forward three guidelines:

* Both countries should strictly abide by the three political documents signed by the two governments and promote exchange and co-operation from a broad point of view and in the spirit of "taking history as a mirror and looking into the future."

* The two sides should improve co-ordination and co-operation in regional and international affairs.

* The two countries should enhance co-operation in energy, environmental protection and other areas, while continuing to deepen co-operation in trade.

Hu pointed out that the core problem in the way of the development of bilateral relations is Japanese leaders' continued visits to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo, a site that honors convicted war criminals along with other Japanese war dead.

The Chinese Government hopes the Japanese will properly handle the issue and prevent the nations' relations from suffering unwanted damage, Hu said.

The longer the issue lingers, the more seriously it will hurt the feelings of the people of China, Hu said, along with other nations that suffered enormously during Japanese aggression of the past, Hu said.

He said a statesman should take a responsible attitude toward war time history and bear in mind the greater picture of forging friendly bilateral ties and contribute to peace and development in Asia.

The president reiterated the Chinese Government's stance on Taiwan and expressed his appreciation to the Japanese Government's adherence to the one-China policy and its pledge not to support "Taiwan independence."

Speaking on the same occasion, Koizumi said he is convinced that China's development is an opportunity rather than a threat, adding that this has been recognized by more and more people.

He said he hopes China keeps its growth momentum, which will be beneficial to Japan and the world as a whole.

The Japanese Government attaches great importance to its relations with China and hopes to constantly promote its mutually-beneficial co-operation with China in various fields, the prime minister said.

Koizumi said he recognizes the importance of "taking history as a mirror" and considers it important to reflect on the war time history and to view Japanese-Chinese relations in a historical perspective. Japan will never launch a similar war, he said.

On his visits to Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine, Koizumi said he understands China's stance on the issue.

The Japanese prime minister also reaffirmed Japan's commitment to the one-China policy and vowed not to support "Taiwan independence."

The Yasukuni Shrine honors 14 Class-A World War II criminals along with Japanese who have died in the nation's wars since the mid-19th century. Koizumi has paid four visits to the shrine since he took office in 2001, the latest in January.

Despite strong protests from China, Koizumi has insisted he will continue annual visits to the shrine.

Hu departed Chile yesterday for a state visit to Cuba, the last leg of his Latin American tour.

Before leaving, Hu met Mexican President Vicente Fox, Australian Prime Minister John Howard and Papua New Guinean Prime Minister Michael Somare.

Earlier, Hu exchanged views with Russian President Vladimir Putin, new Indonesian President Susilo Bambang, Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo Manrique, and Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin.

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