A Japanese business federation leader Thursday called on the
government to review its Asian diplomacy and improve relationship
with China.
"If possible, I would like to see a change" in Japan's diplomacy
with its Asian neighbors, said Nippon Keidanren Chairman Hiroshi
Okuda at a New Year press conference.
The Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's annual visits to the
Yasukuni Shrine, which honors over two million Japanese war dead
including 14 top war criminals, have strained ties between Japan
and its Asian neighbors.
"As people who do business in China, we hope our business
activities can help warm the political relations of the two
countries," Okuda, also a chairman of the Toyota Motor Corp.
said.
Nippon Keidanren is considered Japan's most influential business
lobby.
(Xinhua News Agency January 6, 2006)