In a recent interview with Chinese media in Japan, former Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hiromu Nonaka criticized certain politicians in his country for wrong decisions made over the Diaoyu Islands issue.

He said he felt sorry for the Chinese people.

Nonaka, 87, is also former member of House of Representatives and ex-Secretary General of the Liberal Democratic Party.

He had planned to visit China late September to mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Japan.

But the trip was forced to put off due to the soaring tensions between the two neighbors over the Diaoyu Islands.

Nonaka, who has long been dedicated to building Sino-Japan friendship and relationship, says the recent row is a pity.

He says in the interview that as Japanese, he feel disgraced. He wants to express his sincere apologies to the Chinese people.

The senior politician says Japan's alleged "purchase" of parts of the Islands has undermined the two countries' mutual trust and consensus which has lasted for several decades.

He also raps the Japanese government's improper ways in tackling the recent diplomatic crisis, which ignited anger of the Chinese public. They have staged widespread protests in many Chinese cities this week.

Nonaka says the current political parties in Japan do not seem to be working in the interests of Japan and the Japanese people.

Compared with his generation, Nonaka says the politicians nowadays always put personal careers first, instead of responsibilities and obligations to the whole nation.

Nonaka stresses Sino-Japan relations are of crucial importance.

As for the dispute over Diaoyu, he suggests the two sides strengthen dialogue and strive for a proper way to solve the problem.