Abe's avoidance of ceremonies shows he seeks no reconciliation

JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER Shinzo Abe will not attend China's commemorative events in early September to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, Japan's government spokesman Yoshihide Suga confirmed on Monday. Instead, Tokyo will "further develop the relationship between the two nations by creating opportunities for the leaders to have talks at international conferences and other events". Comments:

Objectively speaking, it would be inappropriate for Abe to attend Beijing's Sept 3 commemorations, given his recent improper moves that have displeased so many Chinese people. For one, Abe avoided offering his own apology in his Aug 14 statement marking the 70th anniversary of Japan's surrender. Just one day after his insincere speech, he sent a ritual offering to the notorious Yasukuni Shrine, which among others honors 14 Class-A war criminals, with some of his Cabinet members paying homage in person. This showed the Japanese leader did not want to visit China.

Xinhua News Agency, Aug 25