With Korea and much of Asia paying keen attention to what expressions Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe uses in his upcoming war anniversary statement, the man himself has made clear that he plans to show remorse for Japan's wartime atrocities.
But Abe made no reference to words like 'aggression' or 'apology,'... raising questions about his sincerity.
Sohn Jung-in reports.
Appearing in person for the first time ever on Chinese television, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he intends to express remorse for those who suffered during World War Two, when he issues a statement in August to mark the 70th anniversary of the war's end.
In an interview with Hong Kong's Phoenix TV, Abe said Japan regretted its wrongdoings during the war, and added that the country will contribute more to achieve world peace.
His remarks are noteworthy as they clarify his will to include such an expression of remorse in his forthcoming statement.
But he failed once again to show a clear resolve to use words like 'colonial rule' or 'aggression'.
He stressed his administration upholds the same historical views of former Chief Cabinet Secretary Yohei Kono and former prime minister Tomiichi Murayama who both made landmark apologies for Japan's actions during the war, but Abe fell short of guaranteeing a sincere apology.
It remains unclear whether the prime minister will make direct reference to his country's 'colonial rule and aggression' in the August statement.
This despite growing calls from Japanese intellectuals to include unequivocal words of reflection and apology.
They say that reflecting without apologizing is a mere play on words and doesn't convey genuine remorse.
Sohn Jung-in, Arirang News.
