CRI听力:China to Work with S.Korea after Abe's Shrine Visit

On the final day of 2013, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said China has the capability and confidence to safeguard its national dignity, unlike 120 years ago.

"Past experience, if not forgotten, is a guide for the future. Today's China is not the China of 120 years ago. We absolutely have the capability and confidence to safeguard our sovereignty, territorial integrity and national dignity."

The year 2014 marks the 120th anniversary of the Sino-Japanese War of 1894-1895, during which China was defeated by Japan.

Meanwhile, the spokeswoman says China is willing to work with South Korea to maintain regional peace, given Japan's recent provocative moves.

"China and South Korea have common or similar experiences on Japan-related historical issues. Both sides are outraged by Abe's visit to the Yasukuni Shrine. Both sides believe that Japan should face up to and reflect upon history and develop forward-looking relations with neighboring countries based on corrected outlook on history. We are willing to keep communication with South Korea to maintain justice and regional peace together."

Meanwhile, South Korea's parliament has passed a resolution denouncing Abe's shrine visit.

The resolution said that Abe's visit to the shrine was an action which obstructed world peace.

It also urged the South Korean government to respond firmly.

Last Thursday, Abe became the first sitting Japanese Prime Minister in seven years to pay his respects at the controversial Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo.

The shrine honors 14 Class-A war criminals.

The South Korean government has already labeled the visit a deplorable act that's damaged ties between the two countries.

The US State Department has issued a new statement regarding this issue.

Marie Harf is a spokeswoman for the Department.

"We were disappointed that Japan's leadership has taken an action that will exacerbate tensions with Japan's neighbors. We hope, as we always do, that both Japan and its neighbors will find constructive ways to deal with sensitive issues from the past, to continue to improve their relations and to promote cooperation in advancing all of our shared goals in the region."

Abe's shrine visit has already drawn criticism from other members of the international community, including the UN and the EU.

For CRI, I'm Yin Xiuqi.