President Hu Jintao met with Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi in Santiago on Sunday, after the end of the 12th Economic Leaders' Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.

Hu said that development of long-term relations with Japan is of greater significance today than ever before, and that the leaderships of both countries should focus on the future. 

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

-- Both countries should abide by the three documents they have cosigned and promote exchanges and cooperation in a spirit of "taking history as a mirror and looking into the future";

-- They should improve coordination and cooperation in regional and international affairs;

-- They should enhance cooperation in energy, environmental protection and other areas, while continuing to deepen cooperation in trade.

Hu said that the key issue stalling development of ties was Japanese leaders' visits to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, which honors Japanese killed in fighting since the mid-19th century, including 14 convicted war criminals from World War II.

The longer the issue lingers, the more seriously it will hurt the feelings of the people of China and other countries that had suffered enormously from Japanese aggression, Hu said.

He said Japan should take a responsible attitude toward its wartime history and bear in mind the bigger picture of forging good relations and contributing to peace and development in Asia.

Hu reiterated the government's stance on Taiwan and expressed his appreciation of Japan's adherence to a one-China policy and pledge of non-support for 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 more and more people have recognized this.

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

His government attaches great importance to its relations with China and hopes to constantly promote mutually beneficial cooperation, he said.

Koizumi said he does recognize the importance of "taking history as a mirror" and considers it important to reflect on wartime history. 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. Koizumi has paid four visits to the shrine since he took office in 2001, with the latest one in January.

After the meeting, President Hu continued his Latin American tour with a visit to Cuba on Monday. Here he met with Fidel Castro and other Cuban leaders to exchange views on bilateral relations and major international issues.

Cuba was the first Latin American country to establish full diplomatic relations with China in 1960. Hu previously visited Cuba in 1997.

Two-way trade between China and Cuba has totaled about US$400 million annually over the past three years. Trade volume reached US$401 million from January to September, up 36.7 percent on the previous year.

(Xinhua News Agency November 23, 2004)