China urges Japan to face up to history in texbooks: FM

China urged Japan to face up to history as the latest high school textbooks by the Japanese authorities contain far less descriptions on the Nanjing Massacre and state the Diaoyu Islands are Japan's "inherent territory."

"The Chinese side is seriously concerned and we have lodged solemn representations to Japan," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a regular press briefing on Tuesday.

Hua reaffirmed that the Diaoyu Island and its adjacent islets have been an inherent part of Chinese territory since ancient times.

"No matter how Japan tries to propagandize its wrong position on the islands, it will never change the fact that China has sovereignty over them," Hua said.

"The Nanjing Massacre is a severe crime committed by Japanese militarists during World War II," said Hua, adding that China has abundant historical and legal evidence to prove it.

Hua said the substantial deletion exposes Japan's reluctance to face up to history, "which is a dangerous signal."

In the latest review, a total of 259 textbooks were given approval out of 261 that took part in the process, according to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.

"We urge Japan to reflect on its militarist aggression, educate its younger generation correctly, and improve ties with its neighbors through practical action," Hua said. Endit