 Historical questions and public security concerns must be dealt with separately: Shii comments on Japan-China issue At a press conference on April 13, Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo answered reporters' questions regarding the recent "anti-Japan demonstrations" in China as follows: It is important that the Japanese and Chinese governments deal with the two different issues separately. One is the historical issue that underlies the recent affair, with some in the Japanese ruling circles glorify Japan's war of aggression and its colonial rule. The other is the public security issue, that the safety of the Japanese embassy, citizens, and companies in China must be ensured. Regarding public security concerns, the Chinese government should be responsible for the damage done to the Japanese Embassy in China in accordance with international rules. Although the Japanese government is right in pointing out that China is responsible for providing public security, it must acknowledge that the crux of the issue is Japan's attitude glorifying the war of aggression, including the prime minister's visit to Yasukuni Shrine and the government's approval of history textbooks justifying the Japanese war of aggression. The present issue will not be resolved unless Japan corrects this arrogant attitude. (Akahata April 14, 2005) |