TOKYO, April 21 (Xinhuanet) -- Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said here Wednesday that he will adhere to the spirit of "Murayama Statement" and make efforts to improve relations with China.

    Koizumi, also president of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party,made the remarks during a parliament debate session with Katsuya Okada, president of the main opposition Democratic Party of Japan.

    "I have carried out diplomacy with emphasis on Japan-China relations," Koizumi was quoted by Japanese media as saying in the debate. He said that he shares the same view of "Murayama Statement" over historical issues.

    Koizumi was referring to the statement made by former Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama on Aug. 15, 1995 to mark the 50th anniversary of the end of the World War II.

    In that statement, Murayama said, "During a certain period in the not too distant past, Japan, through its colonial rule and aggression, caused tremendous damage and suffering to the people of many countries, particularly to those of Asian nations."

    Murayam also made a clear apology for Japanese crimes before and during the war and expressed deep remorse and stressed the need for Japan to "convey to younger generations the horror of war" so that it will never repeat the mistake.

    Okada, in his meeting with the visiting Australian Prime Minister John Howard on Wednesday, criticized Koizumi for repeated visits to the notorious Yasukuni Shrine.

    Okada held Koizumi responsible for the current difficulties in the relationship between Japan and China.

    Yasukuni Shrine honors 14 Class-A World War II criminals along with Japanese war dead since the mid-19th century. Koizumi has paid four visits to the shrine since he took office in 2001, with the latest one on New Year's Day in 2004. Enditem