Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing said in Tokyo Monday that China hopes the nuclear issue of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) will be solved peacefully through the envisioned six-country talks.

Li made the remark during meetings with Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi.

The Chinese foreign minister welcomed Japan's move to play "a constructive role" in efforts to deal with the DPRK's nuclear issue.

Koizumi and Kawaguchi praised China's efforts to realize the six-country talks on the nuclear issue involving the DPRK, the United States, China, Japan, the Republic of Korea and Russia.

Li, during a four-day visit to Japan on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Sino-Japanese treaty of peace and friendship, stressed that China and Japan should always adhere to the principles of the treaty.

The treaty established a solid political fundament for development of bilateral relations, promoting not only government exchanges, but also economic cooperation and friendship between the two peoples, Li said.

Li spoke highly of determination of the Japanese government, especially Koizumi, to adhere to the peaceful principles and spirit of the treaty so as to promote the Sino-Japanese relations.

The history should not be a burden, but an incentive to promote the healthy development of bilateral relations of the two sides, Li said.

Koizumi reiterated Japan will continue insistence on the principle of taking history as a mirror and looking forward to the future.

China's development is a chance for Japan, not a threat, Koizumi said, saying that Japan is to make further efforts to boost bilateral ties for mutual benefits.

During the meeting with Kawaguchi, Li told his counterpart that dozens of people in Qiqihar city in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province have been injured by the chemical weapons left over by Japanese invading army during the Second World War.

Li called for high attention from Japanese government to the issue of Chinese people's health, security and emotions.

Kawaguchi expressed sympathy for victims in the case and responded that the Japanese government will seriously deal with the accident.

Later in the day, Li met with Tetsuzo Fuwa, chairman of the Japanese Communist Party's Central Committee and held a press conference at Japan National Press Club.
 
(Xinhua News Agency August 12, 2003)