Japanese Farm Minister Shoichi Nakagawa, in an apparent criticism of China, said on Friday that Japan should not seek free trade pacts with countries that cannot guarantee the safety of its citizens.

Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi arrives at the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo Monday, Oct. 17, 2005. [AP]

The comments by Nakagawa -- who is known for his hardline views toward China and North Korea -- came after the Trade Ministry unveiled a proposal this week for an "East Asia" free trade zone including southeast Asia, and countries such as China, India and Australia.

"A country that cannot guarantee the safety of Japanese civilians would not be a candidate at this point," Nakagawa said regarding free trade agreements (FTAs).

Asked if he was referring to China, Nakagawa said: "In China a year ago, (Japanese) civilians and firms were assaulted."

Nakagawa, a former trade minister, said a common understanding on issues such as intellectual property rights and the legal system was needed for FTAs.

A row over a Japanese history textbook for schools, which whitewashed wartime atrocities, sparked mass protests across China last April.

The protests marked a low point in Sino-Japanese relations, which have been chilled markedly by repeated Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's visits to Tokyo's notorious Yasukuni Shrine, where major war criminals are honored along with Japan's war dead.