Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei made the remarks during the visit here of the former Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama.

 

　　Hong Lei said exchanges between China and Japan can promote solutions and boost development.

 

　　Murayama's China trip follows previous visits this month here by Natsuo Yamaguchi, leader of a junior party in Japan's ruling coalition, as well as former prime minister Yukio Hatoyama.

 

　　Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has suggested the two countries need to rebuild the mutually beneficial partnership and to hold a summit or high-level talks.

 

　　However, Japan's education minister said Abe's government will review statements by its predecessors about wartime history including a landmark 1995 apology and textbook screening guidelines.

 

　　Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei called on Japan to face history responsibly.

 

　　"The problems of history are extremely important when it comes to Japan's developing of relations with neighboring countries in Asia. Japan should have a responsible attitude when it comes to the problems of history and respect the feelings of the people of Asia. We hope that Japan can take history as a mirror and pursue a path of peaceful development."

 

　　The Japanese government has also decided to establish a special force to enhance maritime surveillance capability in the waters of disputed islands with China.

 

　　The force is expected to be made up of 12 patrol vessels and 600 personnel and set up by 2015.

 

　　Tensions between the two countries flared up last year after Japan unilaterally "nationalized" the Diaoyu Islands last September, despite China's strong opposition.