Japan says PM will not attend military parade in China

Decision was made after considering his parliamentary activities and political schedule.

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attends a memorial service ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War Two at Budokan Hall in Tokyo in this August 15, 2015 photo. A top government spokesman has said Mr. Abe will not attend a military parade in China next week to commemorate the end of World War Two due to his parliamentary activities and political schedule.

A top government spokesman says Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will not attend a military parade in China next week to commemorate the end of World War II.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters Monday that the decision was made after considering his parliamentary activities and political schedule.

Although Suga cited Abe’s schedule, an anti—Japanese theme of the parade could also be a reason. Abe has said he had hoped the event would not be anti—Japanese. Japan invaded China before and during World War II.

China says the parade is to mark the 70th anniversary of Japan’s surrender and to demonstrate a commitment to peace. But it comes as some countries express unease at Beijing’s confrontational stance regarding regional territorial disputes, making participation in the parade politically charged.

Published - August 24, 2015 11:53 am IST