CRI听力:China Urges Japan to Address Concerns of Wartime Forced Laborers

China's Foreign Ministry has released a new statement, urging Japanese leaders to address the concerns of Chinese wartime forced laborers, who are suing Japanese firms for compensation.

The comment comes on word that 37 former forced laborers have filed a lawsuit with the courts here in Beijing.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying:

"Forced recruitment and enslavement of labor was one of the grave crimes Japan committed during its aggressive wars against foreign countries and colonial rule, and is one of historical issues remaining unresolved. We urge Japan to adopt a responsible attitude to history, take the relevant issue seriously and properly address relevant concerns. We believe the Chinese court will handle the case according to law."

The group of 37 is seeking compensation of 1 million yuan each, as well as an apology from Mitsubishi and Mitsui.

A court in Japan has already rejected the Chinese plaintiffs' wartime compensation claims.

If the Chinese courts accept the case, it will represent the first in China seeking compensation for victims of forced labor involving Japanese companies during the Second World War.