Suspension of China-Japan exchange not Chinese fault: minister

BEIJING - Chinese Culture Minister Cai Wu on Friday said that a current suspension of exchange projects between China and Japan should not be blamed on the Chinese side.

"Chinese and Japanese cultural circles believe that culture can be a unique tie in China-Japan relations and that both sides should make efforts to create a favorable environment for cultural exchanges," Cai said at a press salon with journalists from the mainland, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and abroad as well as foreign diplomats to China.

However, the Japanese side's incorrect attitude toward historical issues has deteriorated the environment, and the Japanese government and right-wing politicians have a responsibility to correct previous wrongdoing and restore the conditions for China-Japan communication, Cai said.

Nonetheless, Cai said he believes the current standoff will only be temporary, as the Japanese right-wing plot will not prevail.

"The two countries will eventually resume amicable exchanges on a new basis, and we have expectations and confidence in that," Cai said.

Also at Friday's salon, Cai expressed his hope that more quality Chinese TV series will go global to showcase traditional Chinese culture to the world.

"About 30 years ago, I was an enthusiastic fan of Japanese TV dramas 'Oshin' and 'Sanshiro Sugata,' and I have also watched every episode of the drama 'Dae Jang Geum' produced by the Republic of Korea," the minister said.

"I believe any drama, no matter where it is from, that promotes positive values and beautiful minds will be welcomed by the public," he said.