US urges Japan to resolve historical issues via dialogue
Updated: 2015-01-07 14:30
(Xinhua)
|
|||||||||||
WASHINGTON - The United States on Tuesday called on Japan to continue to work with its neighbors to resolve historical issues through dialogue after Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe planned to include "remorse for war" in a new statement marking the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II.
"We encourage Japan to continue to work with its neighbors to resolve concerns over history in an amicable way through dialogue," State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki told a daily briefing, stressing Abe's remarks in his New Year press conference.
The apologies made by former Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama and former Chief Cabinet Secretary Yohei Kono "marked important chapters in Japan's efforts to improve relations with its neighbors", Psaki added.
In 1995, Murayama issued a statement on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, including an apology for Japan's overall wartime aggression, while in 1993 Kono, then a top government spokesman, apologized in a statement for the suffering of Asian women who were recruited against their own will as sex slaves.
On Monday, Abe said his cabinet "will uphold the general stance on history of successive prime ministers, including the Murayama statement".
Abe also said he would like to "write Japan's remorse on the war, its postwar history as a pacifist nation and how it will contribute to the Asia-Pacific region and the world", according to Japan's Kyodo News Agency.
In response to Abe's remarks, China on Tuesday urged Japan to abide by its promise on historical issues and follow a path of peaceful development with concrete actions.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said China is watching the stance taken by the Japanese government and leaders on the past aggression history and the messages they send to the world.
"We hope Japan could earnestly abide by the promises it has made on the historical issues and follow a path of peaceful development with concrete actions," Hong said.
Related Stories
China urges Japan to abide by its promise on historical issues 2015-01-07 09:12
Japan, US affirm cooperation on countering cyber attack 2015-01-06 14:16
China urges Japan to face up to history 2015-01-05 19:43
Today's Top News
Credit Suisse's China partner under investigation
Belarus' Domracheva named Europe's Athlete of 2014
China's influence in global film market expanding: report
Euro slumps amid concern over Greek exit after election
German gallery presents Calligraphy in Chinese Contemporary Art
Export quota system for rare earths abolished
New York City community rallies around Liu family
Stock link bid for HK, Shenzhen
Hot Topics
Lunar probe , China growth forecasts, Emission rules get tougher, China seen through 'colored lens', International board,
Editor's Picks
Yearender: What happened around the globe in 2014 |
National Memorial Day for Nanjing Massacre victims |
Corrupt female officials spark debate |
Blue skies ready to greet APEC |
Growth pangs |
Sea change |