China responds to Japan's draft diplomatic bluebook

BEIJING -- A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Wednesday urged Japan to adopt a correct view of history, reality and make constructive efforts for a settlement of islands issue.

Spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a routine press briefing China will firmly safeguard its sovereignty over the Diaoyu Islands and continue to be committed to proper management and settlement of the issue through dialogue and consultations.

Hua's comments came after Japan's news agency Kyodo reported Wednesday that the draft of the Diplomatic Bluebook criticized China for "unilaterally changing the status quo."

Hua said it was non other than Japan that unilaterally stirred things up and tried to change the status quo.

As for history, the draft said Japan has continued its path as a pacifist nation for 70 years based on its "deep remorse" over the war, according to Kyodo.

Historical issues concern the political foundation of China-Japan relations, Hua said, noting China has always urged Japan to adopt a correct view of its history of the invasion and take tangible actions to win trust of Asian neighbors and the international community.

She stressed China adheres to its position to push forward China-Japan strategic relationship of mutual benefit based on the four political documents and the spirit of "taking history as a mirror and looking forward to the future."

A long-term, stable and heathy bilateral relationship is in line with the fundamental interests of the two nations and the two peoples, according to Hua.