BEIJING, May 12(Xinhuanet)-- China Thursday said that it hoped to clarify history issues with Japan through the joint study panel proposed recently by the two countries.

Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and his Japanese counterpart Nobutaka Machimura agreed on May 7 in Kyoto, Japan, to set up a joint panel to study history issues, and both sides will name members to the panel by the end of the year, media reports said.

"The most important thing for launching the joint panel is to help China and Japan keep firmly in mind the past, cherish the peace and work together to create the future through clarifying history issues and having a sober understanding of the issues," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan told a regular press conference.

"It is important for the work we have done and for the future China-Japan relationship to develop on a steady and healthy basis," he said. Enditem