China expresses deep condolences over passing of former Japanese PM Murayama

China expresses deep condolences over the passing of former Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Friday.

"Murayama is a statesman with a strong sense of justice, and his contribution to enhancing China-Japan friendship will be forever remembered," spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks at a regular press briefing.

Calling Murayama an old and dear friend of the Chinese people, Lin said he has been long committed to China-Japan friendship.

In May 1995, then Prime Minister Murayama visited Lugou Bridge and the Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression during his visit to China, and wrote down the words "face up to history and pray for friendship and ever-lasting peace between Japan and China," he noted.

On August 15 of the same year, which marked the 50th anniversary of Japan's announcement of unconditional surrender, then Prime Minister Murayama issued a statement on the historical issues, making a profound reflection on Japan's colonial rule and aggression and expressing apologies to the victim countries of the war, Lin said.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, he said, adding that the Murayama Statement embodies the solemn statement and commitment of the Japanese government to the people of victim countries in Asia and the international community on Japan's history of aggression and colonial rule.

"The statement should be honored in good faith," Lin said, expressing hope that Japan will face up to and reflect on its history of aggression, keep to the path of peaceful development, win the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community with concrete actions, and work with China in the same direction to build a constructive and stable China-Japan relationship that meets the demands of the new era.