The world marks the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II this year, and at home Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is crafting a statement on the Japanese government's views on the war to be issued on Aug. 15, the day when Emperor Hirohito announced the nation's unconditional surrender in 1945.
The world's attention will be pinned on how Japan chooses to remember its wartime misdeeds. Experts pointed out that the content of Abe's statement could have a critical impact on Japan's diplomacy and reputation.
Even if Abe issues an unprovocative, politically correct statement, the government will still have a tough time handling diplomacy as it drafts the statement, experts say.
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