Tokyo has repeatedly expressed its remorse to Beijing for Japan's wartime actions and recent anti-Japan demonstrations in China will not change its position, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hiroyuki Hosoda said Wednesday.
Hosoda was responding to remarks made Tuesday by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, who demanded Japan "face up to" its wartime aggression against China and other parts of Asia.
Wen said Japan should be held responsible for the widespread anti-Japan protests in China, and said Tokyo should make "deep and profound reflections" on the reasons for the protests and take responsibility for its past if it wants a permanent seat on the U.N. Security Council.
"I'd like to say Japan has clearly stated its position in various talks with China and on various other occasions," Hosoda said.