CPC newspaper urges Japanese WWII reflection

The Japanese government must reflect on its history of aggression for the sake of contemporary peace, urged a commentary published in the People's Daily, the flagship newspaper of the Communist Party of China, on Monday.

The article, by Bu Ping, a historian with the Institute of Modern History at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, kicked off a three-strong series of commentaries on the same theme to be published in consecutive issues of the newspaper.

Bu said there have always been political forces in Japan who are reluctant to admit liability for wartime atrocities.

As this year marks the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II and China's victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, it is high time for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's administration to show sincere remorse over war crimes, according to the article.

Bu expressed hope that the Abe administration can uphold the 1995 Murayama Statement, released by then Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama, in which he apologized for the damage and suffering that Japan brought on its Asian neighbors.

The statement contrasts markedly to the regional and global instability brought about by shortsighted Japanese politicians who shun war liability, he said.

"The Murayama Statement has brought Japan and other countries in East Asia closer instead of undermining Japan's international prestige," according to the historian.

Only by thoroughly reflecting on its wartime atrocities and taking concrete action to honor its liabilities can Japan win trust, improve ties with its neighbors and maintain stability in East Asia, the article concluded.