German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned against a repeat of what she termed as "tragic history," when asked to comment on Japan's decision to lift the ban on employing its military in the name of collective self-defense.

Merkel spoke Tuesday before students of Tsinghua University in Beijing, during her final day in her seventh visit to China since 2005.

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The German leader called for a correct understanding of historical issues in her speech and later responded to questions in an open forum.

When asked about Japan's move to revisit its pacifist constitution and embark on a collective self-defense posture in Asia, Merkel explained she did not have the right to comment about the Japanese government's policies while in China.

But she said briefly that it is important not to repeat events that were part of "tragic history."

Merkel told the university students about Germany's "miserable process" of recovering from defeat and atoning for its wartime past, which her nation had to endure in order for future generations to understand history.

Germany, Japan, and Italy composed the Axis powers that were responsible for aggressive conduct that led to World War II, and fought against the Allies that included China.

On Monday, Chinese premier Li Keqiang took a swipe at Japan's wartime past during a joint press conference with Chancellor Merkel at Beijing's Great Hall of the People.

Tagsangela merkel, Li Keqiang