China welcomes UN chief's Japan comments

BEIJING - China positively appraised UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon's remarks that Japanese leaders should have a correct awareness about history, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Wednesday.

Ban said at a Monday press conference during a visit to Seoul that Japan needs determination by political leaders and a correct awareness about history. He urged Japan's leaders to indulge in some "very deep introspection," with particular reference to Japan's plans to revise its pacifist constitution.

"We have noted relevant reports and speak positively [of the comment by the UN chief]," spokesman Hong Lei said.

"Preserving historical justice and urging Japan to face up and show introspection to its aggressive past is the unanimous call of the international community," Hong said.

He added that Japan should take a sound attitude, seriously deliver its commitments on historical issues, and respect people's feelings in the countries it victimized in order to gain the trust of Asian neighbors and the international community.