Tokyo – Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda said Wednesday that China bears responsibility over recent unrest in Tibet, calling on Beijing to resolve the problem peacefully.
“I think China is the most responsible over the issue. I hope they will deal with it in a calm manner and resolve the issue through dialogue,” Fukuda said in parliament when asked about recent violence in the Himalayan region.
“I call on the Chinese government to do its utmost to that end,” he said.
China has responded to the unrest with a massive security clampdown on affected areas.
Tibetan exiled leaders say more than 150 people have been killed in the crackdown. China says it has killed no one, and blamed Tibetan “rioters” for the deaths of 20 people.
Fukuda also called on China to ensure that the Beijing Olympics in August will be held safely following anti-China protests during the torch relay.
“We are concerned about this. The Chinese government should do more to create an environment where athletes can participate safely,” Fukuda said.
He urged protesters not to use violence when the Olympic torch relay comes to Japan.
“The demonstrations under the name of human rights are happening. But they must avoid violent acts,” he said.
“The flame is coming to Japan. We must make sure such thing will not happen,” he said.
The Olympic flame relay experienced a series of disruptions in London and Paris by activists protesting over China’s controversial rule of Tibet and a range of other human rights issues.
On April 26, the torch comes to the central Japanese mountain city of Nagano, site of the 1998 Winter Olympics.
Japan has been working in recent years to repair relations with China, its largest commercial partner, despite longstanding tensions tied to Tokyo’s aggression in the 1930s.
Fukuda, who has pursued warm ties with China, is preparing to welcome Chinese President Hu Jintao for a trip that is expected next month. It would be the first visit by a Chinese head of state to Japan in a decade.
