Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue said in Beijing 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 hoped 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.

(Xinhua News Agency October 13, 2003)