The Chinese Foreign Ministry yesterday criticized a senior Japanese politician for insulting the Chinese people.

Tokyo Governor Shintaro Ishihara suggested in a lecture on Thursday that Chinese in Tokyo be arrested and deported. He reportedly claimed most crimes in Tokyo were committed by "Zhina" people and that local police worry these people will kidnap children of high-profile Japanese.

The Chinese Government is indignant over Ishihara's remarks, said ministry spokesman Kong Quan. Any attempts to mar Sino-Japanese relations will not be supported by the public and are doomed to failure, he said.

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China Daily news

(China Daily 07/19/2003 page1)