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Japan Seeks to Smooth Relations with China

update

Japan says it will seek to smooth relations with China after this week's increase in tension.

Junichiro Koizumi

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Hiroyuki Hosoda says he will make no further comment on China's cancellation Monday of a meeting in Tokyo between Deputy Premier Wu Yi and Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.

Mr. Hosoda says continuing exchanges of blame and reaction are not good for improving relations.

Tuesday, China said comments by Mr. Koizumi about visiting a controversial war shrine were not appropriate and created a bad atmosphere for talks.

Singapore's prime minister, Lee Hsien Loong urged Japan and China to moderate their nationalist sentiments and come to terms with the history of the Second World War, the way Germany and France have done in Europe.

Some information for this report provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.

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