(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-12-06 20:13

China on Thursday said mutual respect for each other's concerns and a proper settlement of sensitive issues, including the history issue and the Taiwan question, are most important to maintaining and furthering the sound momentum of the currently improving and developing China-Japan ties.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Qin Gang made the remarks Thursday afternoon at a regular press conference when asked whether China cares more about the reality issue than the history issue in its relationship with Japan.

Qin noted the Chinese government has always taken "a firm attitude" on developing a good-neighborly and cooperative relationship with Japan and is willing to work together with Japan in the spirit of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit so as to keep and further the sound momentum of the currently improving and developing China-Japan ties.

On the Taiwan issue, Qin said to oppose Taiwan's efforts to "join the United Nations through a referendum" and seek for independence is key to ensuring the healthy and stable development of China-Japan relations, adding that this is a issue of principle.

On the history issue, Qin said remembering the bitter past is intended to better cherish the hard-won improvement and development of China-Japan ties and to create a better future for the ties.

China hoped Japan could take the same attitude as China to make joint efforts to move forward bilateral relations in the spirit of "taking history as a mirror and looking toward the future," Qin said.