Japanese, Chinese historians agree on joint study topics

Japanese and Chinese scholars agreed Tuesday on specific historical topics they will jointly study at a two-day meeting in Tokyo, in an effort to narrow difference between the two countries on historical issues.

The China-Japan Joint History Research Committee, consists of 10 researchers and scholars from each side, decided to form two subcommittees to research on important issues in "ancient and medieval history" and "modern history" between the two countries respectively, committee members said.

Three major topics including six subjects will be discussed at the "ancient and medieval history" subcommittee, while the "modern history" subcommittee will deal with nine topics on three periods. The topics range from history of exchanges between China and Japan over 2,000 years, war in modern times to recent ties between the two neighbors in the past 50 years or so.

The scholars decided to form research results of each topic by December at their third meeting, and submit joint research reports by June 2008 based on thorough discussions and revisions before they meet for the fourth time.

During a meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso on Monday, Bu Ping, director of the Institute of Modern History at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said that the joint history study is an important task for the interests of both nations.

Bu, who led the Chinese delegation, said that the scholars from both side should be responsible for the joint research. He also expressed the hope that the progress in joint study will promote understandings between the two peoples and close gaps between their perceptions of history. Bu hoped that the meeting can help create friendly environment for Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's upcoming visit to Japan and help boost bilateral ties. Aso said that he agreed with Bu.

The Japanese team was led by Shinichi Kitaoka, professor of University of Tokyo.

The two sides held their first meeting in December 2006 in Beijing, where they settled the work process, scope and topics for joint research, and discussed the 2,000 years of history of China- Japan exchanges and modern and post-World War II history in two groups.