(Yicai Global) Nov. 6 -- Shaanxi province-based Northwest A&F University has appointed Japan's former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama a professor emeritus yesterday, the institution announced on its public account on China's popular WeChat messaging app. President Wu Pute attended the ceremony and presented Hatoyama with his letter of appointment.

Wu met with Hatoyama before the ceremony. Vice President Ma Jianhua announced the appointment at the ceremony, which Vice President Luo Jun hosted.

Hatoyama has devoted himself to amicable Sino-Japanese exchanges and has spared no efforts to advance bilateral relations between the two nations. Based on the fundamental interests of the two countries and the two peoples, he adheres to the principle of Sino-Japanese friendship and actively urges the two  to peacefully resolve various issues -- including territorial disputes -- to avoid the use of force, and to work together for East Asia's security. His strategic view is admirable, Wu said in his speech.

The appointment demonstrates respect for Hatoyama's extensive knowledge and excellent leadership, as well as acknowledgement of his active contribution to Japan's national economic development, progress in agriculture, technology and education, and improvement in Japanese living standards. The appointment also pays tribute to Hatoyama's efforts toward Sino-Japanese friendship, Wu added.

Hatoyama, born in February 1947, was elected the 60th prime minister of the 90th term for Japan on Sept. 16, 2009. He resigned his post on June 2, 2010 and proclaimed his retirement from political circles on Nov. 21, 2012.

He visited mainland China in person from Jan. 15 to 18, 2013, and visited the Memorial Hall of the Victims in the Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders, thus becoming the third Japanese politician to visit the monument, Chinese state media Global Times said.

Hatoyama apologized twice during his stay in Hong Kong in November 2013 for Japanese aggression against China in the Second World War, stating that, even in times of war, such atrocities were inhuman and, as a Japanese civilian, he felt obliged to say sorry to the Chinese people, Hong Kong media Wen Wei Po reported.

Editor: Ben Armour