Japan Diplomatic Bluebook to Show Deep Remorse for Last War

Tokyo, April 1 (Jiji Press)--Japan's Diplomatic Bluebook for 2015, the 70th year since the end of World War II, will show deep remorse for the country's actions during the war, a draft revealed on Wednesday. The forthcoming bluebook will reiterate Japan's pledge to remain a pacifist nation based on deep remorse for the war, according to the draft, which the Foreign Ministry presented to a meeting of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. The draft of the annual report clarifies the country's willingness to contribute to the international community under the banner of proactive pacifism, advocated by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Also, the draft underlines that between Japan and China are close economic relations and human and cultural exchanges, making the two countries inseparable neighbors. Still, it refers to Chinese ships' continuing incursions into Japanese waters around the Senkaku Islands, a focus of the friction between the two neighbors, and expresses the government's resolve to defend Japan's territory. On Japan's relations with the United States, the draft says that Tokyo will make efforts for the conclusion of U.S.-led Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade negotiations while also strengthening its security and defense cooperation with the United States. The 2015 bluebook will be published in English as well as Japanese. The Chinese government was quick to respond to the draft. At a regular press conference in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said that the political foundation of the Japan-China relationship is linked to history issues. She urged Japan to face up to wartime history and make constructive efforts to resolve related issues. END