Spokesperson's Remarks on Japanese Prime Minister Koizoimi's claim to visit the Yaksukuni Shrine again next year

Q: Japanese Prime Minister Koizoimi Junichiro said he would again visit the Yasukuni Shrine when he attended the 10+3 leaders' meeting in Bali, Indonesia. He claimed that his act had been understood by China and would form no barrier for Sino-Japanese friendship. What is your comment on this?

A: The Sino-Japanese relationship is undergoing an important development period. We find the Japanese leader's remarks at such a time hard to understand.

Zhang Qiyue says that the correct understanding and handling of history should form the political foundation of Sino-Japanese relations. We hope that the Japanese side will understand the high degree of 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 orienting towards the future". We hope that Japan will not do anything to hurt again the feelings of the Chinese people, and help push forward the healthy and steady growth of Sino-Japanese ties.