The Foreign Ministry Thursday urged the Japanese government "to handle sensitive historical issues properly" after the country's leader sent an offering to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine. 

"A correct view and proper handling of historical issues by the Japanese government constitute the political foundation for China-Japan relations. Any erroneous moves will produce a grave and negative impact on the relations," Jiang Yu, a spokeswoman, told a regular news briefing.

China has already used diplomatic channels to express its strong concern and dissatisfaction, and stressed the extreme sensitivity of historical issues, Jiang said.

Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso offered a potted tree to the Yasukuni Shrine on Tuesday while a group of about 90 members of Aso's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) paid pilgrimage to the shrine the next day.

The shrine has long been considered by the Chinese and other people in the region as a symbol of militarism, as it honors 14 top war criminals of World War II among the war dead.

Bilateral relations soured when former Japanese prime minister Junichiro Koizumi paid annual visits to the shrine from 2001 to 2006. But ties warmed after Koizumi left office, with the two prime ministers after him staying away from Yasukuni.

Visits to the shrine by Japanese leaders have always been condemned by the country's neighbors, said Feng Zhaokui, former deputy head of the Institute of Japan Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

But because of its dwindling popularity, the ruling LDP party led by Aso has to cater to the sentiments of the 8 million members of the Japan War-Bereaved Association, most of whom are the offspring of those honored in the shrine, he said.

Feng described Aso's offering and the visit to the shrine by some Japanese politicians as "a publicity stunt" to take on the right wing as elections are scheduled before September.

However, he noted, Aso kept a low profile on the offering to the shrine, which shows Tokyo's intention to play down the issue. The Japanese media also reported that Aso paid for the offering with his own money, rather than from government coffers, he pointed out.

"But the act is 'provocative' if not handled properly", he said, referring to Aso's scheduled visit to China next week.

Xu Dunxin, former Chinese ambassador to Japan, said the offering reflects Tokyo's "vague politics" –  a middle path trying to satisfy both the domestic audience and other countries.

"Japan knows fully well China's firm stance and should be careful that old frictions do not resurface", Xu said.

"The two countries have more to cooperate with on the financial crisis and regional issues," he said, calling on Tokyo to be sensitive to Chinese feelings. 

Dalai Lama visit

Jiang Thursday also urged US President Barack Obama not to meet the Dalai Lama when he visits the country in October.

"Our position is clear and consistent when it comes to the Dalai Lama's visits. We oppose the Dalai Lama going to any country to engage in separatist activities under any pretext," she said.

"We have already made representations to the US side, demanding that they live up to their promises, and not let the Dalai Lama engage in any separatist activities in the United States."

(China Daily March April 24, 2009)