Petitioners push council over Japan

CAMPAIGNERS for war reparations from Japan for mainland victims have taken their demands to the NPC.

A campaigner from Fujian, Lin Xinshu, said yesterday several petitions had been forwarded to legislators from Beijing, Shanghai and Fujian.

It is believed local-level deputies in a number of provinces have received similar petitions.

Provincial petitioners have built a country-wide network to further civilian claims against the Japanese Government and companies for war damages.

Beijing-based activist Tong Zeng has been warned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs not to raise the issue with delegates.

Mr Tong set the ball rolling three years ago when he collected the signatures of more than 10,000 war victims nationwide.

Mr Tong has been organising efforts to help victims press for reparations.

Mr Tong, the leading campaigner, said such activities should be stepped up this year to coincide with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Chinese victory in the War of Resistance against Japan.

He refused to disclose what he has planned for fear of a government crackdown.

However, analysts believe the Chinese authorities will adopt a more 'benign' attitude towards the activists.

They said although the Government gave up official claims against Tokyo, there was room for individual civilians to fight for reparations.

A Shanghai maritime court earlier this year heard the case of descendants of the owners of the Chung Wei Steamship Company, a Chinese shipping company based in Shanghai in the 1930s, against Japan's Navix Line for wartime damages.

Several retired Shanghai cadres also agreed to serve on the legal advisory board of Chung Wei.