Japanese PM Shinzo Abe makes guarded statement on wartime aggression; China and South Korea remain sceptical

9 years ago | Posted in: Latest Politics News | 1086 Views

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe yesterday suggested his country should not be expected to repeatedly apologise for its actions during the second world war – a period in its history still causing tensions in the region.

However, in a highly anticipated speech marking the 70th anniversary of Japan’s surrender, the Japanese leader used phrases that many believed he had previously sought to avoid in an apparent attempt to repair ties with China and South Korea.

Abe reaffirmed the “heartfelt apology” offered in the past by his predecessors but he stopped short of directly mentioning the thorniest issues that the two neighbours have been pressing on – the plight of comfort women and the Nanking massacre, prompting scepticism about his sincerity.

“Japan has repeatedly expressed the feelings of deep remorse and heartfelt apology for its actions during the war,” Abe said. “In order to manifest such feelings through concrete actions, we have engraved in our hearts the histories of suffering of the people in Asia as our neighbours.”.. see more

source: scmp

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