Credit:UN/DPI Photo by Sergey Bermeniev

Hu Jintao

(Angus Reid Global Scan) - A recent comment by the president of the People's Republic of China has been controversial in Japan, according to a poll by Asahi Shimbun. 71 per cent of respondents disagree with Hu Jintao's assertion that Japan's view on its history has hurt the feelings of Chinese people.

Earlier this month, China saw widespread demonstrations against Japan after the publication of a new book to be used for formal study in Japanese schools. Some critics say the new text minimizes wartime abuses committed by Japan's military during the occupation of China from 1931 to 1945.

On Apr. 13, Japan announced it would allow oil and gas exploration in waters disputed with China. Japanese prime minister Junichiro Koizumi dismissed assertions that the move was related to the current diplomatic rift, saying, "This is a separate matter."

On Apr. 23, Hu met privately with Koizumi to discuss bilateral relations. The Chinese president urged Japan to take into account the "strong reaction of the Chinese people and the concerns of people from other Asian countries," adding, "The remorse expressed should be translated into action."

Koizumi said Japan seeks to "promote this relation instead of agitating hostile feelings," adding, "Japan and China have never needed each other as much as they do today."

Polling Data

Do you agree with Hu Jintao's assertion that Japan's view on its history has hurt the feelings of Chinese people, and that Japan should act out of remorse on its history?

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