China has called on Japan to deal with the issue of wartime sex slaves properly, saying its position on the issue will affect Japan's image throughout the world.

"We hope Japan will show courage, take a responsible attitude towards history, the people and its future, treat seriously the righteous voice from the international community, and properly handle the issue," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang yesterday.

He said the coercion of women into prostitution was one of the most serious crimes committed by Japanese imperial soldiers during World War II.

Responding to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's pledge to conduct a new study into wartime brothels, Qin said a history study should not whitewash Japan's invasion and wartime atrocities, and only a proper resolution of such historical issues would help improve and develop China-Japan relations.

Source: China Daily/agencies