China opposes one-sided interpretation of China-Japan Joint Statement

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-03-15 18:36

BEIJING -- A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman on Thursday opposed the "one-sided interpretation" to the China-Japan Joint Statement made by the Japanese Supreme Court.

"No one-sided interpretation of the important principles and issues in the China-Japan Joint Statement, including legal interpretation, should be given by any side," said Qin Gang at a regular press conference.

Qin made the remark when responding to a question on the damages compensation lawsuits filed by Chinese laborers who were forced to work in Japan during the World War II.

The Tokyo High Court on Wednesday overturned a landmark ruling by the Niigata District Court which ordered the Japanese government and a company to compensate Chinese forced labor.

Reports said Japan's Supreme Court will open procedures to debate the suits on Friday and it would be the first time for Japan's top judiciary to make interpretation of certain contents of the "China-Japan Joint Statement".

Qin said the joint statement is a serious political and diplomatic document signed between the two governments and has constituted the political basis of the resumption and development of China-Japan relations after the World War II, and no sides should give one-sided interpretation of the statement.

Qin did not make any remark on the ruling of the lawsuits.



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