Credit:White House photo by Paul Morse

Wen Jiabao

(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Chinese adults are upset over the publication of a new text to be used for formal study in Japanese schools, according to a poll by the Social Survey Institute of China. 96 per cent of respondents believe the action severely hurt the Chinese people's feelings and constituted an insult.

Some critics say the new text minimizes wartime abuses committed by Japan's military during the occupation of China from 1931 to 1945. The Nanjing massacre of 1937—where historians believe 300,000 Chinese civilians were killed by Japanese troops—is described in the book as an "incident." 93 per cent of respondents say the Japanese government has gravely distorted history, and 81 per cent deem the text's publication as an open provocation and a crime against world peace and harmony.

On Apr. 12, Chinese premier Wen Jiabao criticized Japan's intentions to become a permanent member of the United Nations (UN) Security Council, saying, "Only a country that respects history, takes responsibility for past history and wins over the trust of the people in Asia and the world at large can take greater responsibility in the international community."

Yesterday, 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."

Polling Data

Do you agree with the following statements on Tokyo's approval of a new history textbook?
(Agree responses only)

Archive Search

Over 19,600 Polls
Search the Angus Reid Global Monitor Polls & Research archive.