Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi offered an apology today to China over Japan's aggression during World War II. The apology was made in an attempt to reduce tensions between the two nations over the way Japan's new text books taught the history of that era in the nation's history.

Many Chinese have also been angered by Koizumi's annual visits to a Japanese World War II shrine that honors Japan's war dead including seven men who were hanged for war crimes after the Japanese surrender.

Speaking at the Asia-Africa Summit in Jakarta, Koizumi said, 'In the 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.' Chinese President Hu Jintao was in attendance while Koizumi was speaking.

Koizumi added, 'Japan squarely faces these facts of history in a spirit of humility. And with feelings of deep remorse and heartfelt apology always engraved in mind, Japan has resolutely maintained, consistently since the end of World War II, never turning into a military power but an economic power,' he said.

The tension had spilled over onto the Chinese street. In many cities in China, Japanese owned businesses have been the targets of demonstrations, some of which turned violent at times. The Chinese had refused to apologize for the demonstrations, saying they were understandable given the circumstances.

While there has been no official response from Beijing, a spokesman for the Chinese foreign ministry said, 'Regarding 60 years ago, the great damage it (Japan) has caused in Asian countries, including China, we welcome Koizumi's attitude,' he told journalists in Jakarta.

An official meeting between diplomats from the two countries is expected to take place shortly.