Abe made the announcement following a stop at a war memorial in western Japan.

 

"The Abe cabinet will uphold the general stance of history by successive prime ministers, including the Murayama statement."

 

The Murayama statement, issued under former Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama in 1995, is viewed as Japan's main expression of remorse² for its colonial past and actions during the war.

 

Animosity towards Japan's actions ahead of and during the Second World War has long been a stumbling block in the country's relationships with its neighbors in the region, including China.

 

Meanwhile China has issued a response to Abe's statement, urging the Japanese leader to remain consistent in words and actions.

 

Foreign Ministry³ Spokeswoman Hua Chunying.

 

"Only by honestly facing up to the past can Japan have a real future. We hope the Japanese will match their words with actions, adopt a correct attitude towards history, keep all the promises they have made so far on the historic issues, deeply learn lessons from history, choose the direction of peaceful development and play a constructive⁴ role in regional stability."

 

Last week, Japanese Emperor Akihito said in his New Year statement that Japan should learn from its history. 2015 marks the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II.

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