Premier: China committed to friendship
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2004-04-03 22:00

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao reaffirmed the policy of the Chinese government to commit to the growth of Sino-Japanese friendship during his meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Kawaguchi Yoriko in Beijing Saturday.

During the meeting, Wen enunciated China's principled stance for handling bilateral relations.

The visits by the Japanese leaders to the Yasukuni Shrine hurt the dignity of the Chinese people, he said.

He urged Japan to handle the Taiwan issue cautiously.

Wen also reiterated China's stance on its sovereignty over Diaoyu Island and the attached islets.

The Chinese premier acknowledged that the development of Sino-Japanese ties was a hard earned result in the past years and thus required more endeavors to cherish its growth.

Only if the two sides proceed from the overall situation of bilateral ties and appropriately tackle existing problems, can theSino-Japanese relationship overcome difficulties and score new progress, Wen said.

Kawaguchi is visiting China as guest of Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing. This is her third China tour since she assumed the post of foreign minister.

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