China and South Korea on Saturday criticized Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's speech to mark the 70^th anniversary of World War II. In a televised speech on Friday, Abe did not offer a new apology to victims of Japan's wartime atrocities. However, he voiced heartfelt regret for their suffering and vowed to uphold the apologies and commitments made by previous Japanese cabinets to atone for the country's wartime crimes.

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China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying revealed on Saturday that Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Yesui has reached out to the Japanese Ambassador Masato Kitera to voice "China's solemn position" on Abe's speech and the need for Japan to stand up to her past deeds.

China and South Korea had insisted that Abe delivers a new apology for Japan's crimes during World War II. However, the Japanese prime minister simply acknowledged the apologies issued by past leaders and vowed to respect them.

"No matter what kind of efforts we may make, the sorrows of those who lost their family members and the painful memories of those who underwent immense suffering by the destruction of war will never be healed," Abe said.

Nonetheless, Hua has explained that "To face up to that part of history is important for keeping in mind the lessons of history and upholding justice; it is an important basis for Japan to improve relations with its neighbors in Asia; it is also the prerequisite for a better future." She noted that Abe should have made an "explicit statement" instead of "being evasive on this major issue of principle."

Meanwhile, South Korean President Park Geun-Hye has said that there were "regrettable elements" in Abe's speech and it left "much to be desired."

In her speech to commemorate the 70^th anniversary of the country's Liberation Day and the end of World War II on Saturday, Park welcomed Abe's commitment to the apologies of previous Japanese leaders for the country's actions during the global conflict. She also stressed on the need for Japan to properly recognize thousands of Korean women, who were forced into prostitution in Japanese military brothels.

Japan's wartime atrocities remains a thorny issue in the relationship between Tokyo and her neighbors. A recent survey showed that many Chinese and South Koreans still have negative impressions of Japan.

TagsChina South Korea Criticize Shinzo Abe Speech 70th Anniversary WWII, 70th Anniversary of World War II, Japan World War II Crimes