Japanese opposition parties pointed out on Monday that Japan
needs to make further effort to prevent the recurrence of the cruel
war it waged on other Asian countries 60 years ago.
The largest opposition Democratic Party of Japan said in a
statement that Japan once picked the road of war, and that its
colonial ruling and aggression brought tremendous damage and agony
to the Asian countries.
"We should by no means forget to make sincere retrospection on
the history of aggression. Meanwhile, we are expressing our
apology. It is a critical task and responsibility for Japan to
exert further effort to realize the peace in Asia as well as the
world," the statement said.
The Japanese Communist Party said Japan launched that aggressive
war in a bid to control other countries' territories and resources,
and destroy the lives of the peoples. Should the Japanese
government move to justify the aggression, Japan would see its doom
in Asia.
The Social Democratic Party pointed out that on the 60th
anniversary of Japan's defeat, an alarming tendency is emerging in
Japan to turn the clock back. If Japan cannot face up to the
history and make genuine reflection, it will be impossible for
Japan to enjoy the trust of the Asian peoples.
(Xinhua News Agency August 16, 2005)