Q： Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi visited the Yasukuni Shrine today. What is the comment of the Chinese side?

A： In disregard of the strong opposition from Japan's Asian neighbors including China and inside Japan itself, Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi visited the Yasukuni Shrine that has memorial tablets to class-A war criminals. The Chinese government and people hereby express strong dissatisfaction and indignation over this. The wrongful action taken by the Japanese leader has damaged the political basis of Sino-Japanese relations, hurt the feelings of the Chinese people and the people of the majority of victimized countries in Asia, and violated the series of solemn statements and commitments made by the Japanese government on the history issue. The Chinese side will make solemn and just representations with the Japanese side through diplomatic channels.

We have taken note of the fact that Koizumi, under domestic and foreign pressure, finally gave up his former plan to visit the Shrine on August 15, which is a sensitive day, and delivered a statement today reiterating that Japan admits its history of aggression and reiterating its attitude on introspecting its action.    China requests the Japanese side to practice what it preaches, and honor its statements and commitments made to the Chinese side in a truthful manner.