Wednesday, April 20 2005 12:47 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Beijing: China today (Apr 20, 2005) appealed to its people to end violent protests over Japan's handling of its wartime past, urging them to express their feelings in a "calm" way, but also asked Tokyo to adopt "a correct view of history" if it wants to improve Sino-Japanese relations.

The improvement and development of Sino-Japanese ties requires "a correct view of history," Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing said, asking Japan to "turn its promises into action", and properly and thoroughly resolve relevant issues.

Li urged the Chinese people to express their feelings in a lawful and orderly way and not participate in unapproved demonstrations or activities that may affect social stability.

"Express yourselves calmly, rationally and in an orderly fashion," he was quoted as saying by the Xinhua news agency.

Explaining the current status of ties to an audience of 3,500 people, including officials from six Chinese Ministries and the military in Beijing, Li said Taiwan issue is a matter concerning China's core interests and sovereignty.

The adherence to the 'one-China' principle forms the political foundation of China-Japan ties. "Japan should honour its commitments and do nothing detrimental to China's sovereignty," he said.

Sino-Japanese ties are at its worst since establishment of diplomatic relations in 1972, with fierce anti-Japanese demonstrations erupting in many Chinese cities in recent weeks over a revised Japanese school textbook, which the Chinese leadership, people and state media say distorts atrocities committed by Japanese militarists during their 1931-45 occupation of China.