Japan urged by China to abide by promise on historical issues

Want China Times, Xinhua 2015-01-07

Hong Lei speaks to the press, March 25, 2014. (File photo/CNS)

China urged Japan to abide by its promise on historical issues and follow a path of peaceful development with concrete actions on Tuesday.

Foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei made the comments in response to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's remarks on Monday that he will observe the overall stance his successors adopted on historical issues, including the 1995 Murayama statement, in his statement on the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II this coming August.

According to local media, Abe said at the New Year press conference in Ise, central Japan, that his statement refers to Japan's determination to act as a proactive contributor to world peace.

"This year marks the 70th anniversary of the World Anti-Fascism War (World War II) and the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (the Second Sino-Japanese War). The international community will take the occasion to reflect, learn from our history, and look to the future" said Hong.

He said China is watching the stance taken by the Japanese government and world leaders in regards to their past aggression as well as the messages they send to the world.

"We hope Japan could earnestly abide by the promises it has made on historical issues and follow a path of peaceful development with concrete actions," Hong said.

On the 50th anniversary of the end of the war in Asia on Aug. 15, 1995, Murayama said Japan caused "tremendous damage and suffering" to the people of Asia and other countries through its colonial rule and aggression, and expressed "feelings of deep remorse" and "heartfelt apology."