China upset over Koizumi's shrine visit
( 2003-10-13 09:34) (Xinhua)
Chinese Foreign Ministry
spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue said Sunday that the correct understanding and handling
of history should form the political foundation of Sino-Japanese relations.
Japanese Prime Minister Koizumi Junichiro said he would again visit Yasukuni
Shrine, the temple that honored Class-A war criminals of World War II, when he
attended the 10-3 meeting in Bali, Indonesia. Koizumi also claimed his act had
been accepted by China and thus formed no barrier for Sino-Japanese friendship.
Zhang said such remarks were hard to understand when the relationship was
undergoing an important development period.
She hoped the Japanese understand the sensitivity of the Yasukuni Shrine
issue, observe the principles set forth in the three important political
documents including the Sino-Japanese Joint Statement, and adhere to "taking
history as a mirror and looking forward to the future".
She also hopeed that Japan do nothing to hurt the feelings of the Chinese
people, and help push forward the healthy and steady growth of Sino-Japanese
ties.
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