Japanese leaders' visit to Yasukuni Shrine severely hurt Chinese people's feeling, and is the crux for the strained China-Japan relations. The political relations between the two countries will certainly affect their economic ties, Bo Xilai, China's Minster of Commerce said.

Bo made the remarks as he met with Japanese Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Toshihiro Nikai, who arrived in Beijing on Tuesday.

Bo noted that President Hu Jintao put forward the five-point proposal for promotion of the China-Japan relations last year; Premier Wen Jiabao also gave three-point advice in this regard. He asked Japan to take concrete measures to improve the China-Japan relations.

China and Japan have reached consensus on the joint study of the medium and long-term plan on China-Japan economic cooperation and the joint sponsoring of the forum for energy conservation and environmental protection. Bo and Toshihiro Nikai also exchanged views on the WTO Doha Round.

Bo set forth China's stand on Japan's recognition of China's status as full market economy and sanctions on exports to China.

Toshihiro Nikai said he attached importance to China's opinions, and would study them carefully. He agreed to send officials to exchange views with China.

By People's Daily Online