China calls on Japan to make 'right choice' in facing war aggression

BEIJING, March 9 (Yonhap) -- China called on Japan Monday to make the "right choice" in facing its guilt over World War II atrocities ahead of this year's 70th anniversary of the end of the war. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei made the remarks in response to comments by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who is visiting Japan and said Germany was able to mend ties with its neighbors by squarely facing up to its history. "The historical issue is a question that has been haunting China-Japan relations," Hong said. "We hope that, in this special year, Japan can make the right choice on this issue." Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will deliver a much-anticipated speech later this year marking the anniversary of Japan's surrender in the war. South Korea and China, which were both invaded by Japan during the war, urged their neighbor to face its history of aggression, based on speculations the planned speech might tone down its past apologies to wartime atrocities. On Sunday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called for Japan to learn from its past of aggression. "The more the perpetrator is conscious of his or her guilt, the more relieved the victim can feel about the suffering," Wang told a press conference on the sidelines of the annual session of China's rubber-stamp parliament. "This is common sense in interpersonal communication, and a correct attitude toward history as well," Wang said. kdh@yna.co.kr (END)