China urges Japan to deal responsibly with historical issues

BEIJING -- A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Wednesday urged Japan to take a responsible attitude to historical issues.

Spokesperson Hua Chunying made the remarks when asked to comment on a non-binding resolution adopted by the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea Tuesday on "Abe's lack of repentance about colonization and comfort women".

In his addresses to the U.S. Congress and Harvard University last month, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe avoided apologizing for Japan's aggression, colonial rule and sexual enslavement before and during WWII.

Abe stopped short of statements issued by former prime ministers Tomiichi Murayama and Junichiro Koizumi in 1995 and 2005, which used terms including "heartfelt apology" for Japan's "colonial rule and aggression".

China expects the Japanese government and leader to honor commitments made by former cabinets on historical issues. Only in this way can Japan win the trust of international society and develop progressive friendly relations with its neighbors, said Hua at a routine press briefing.