Prime Minister Shinzo Abe fell short of rendering an apology for Japan's atrocities during the Second World War in his televised speech on Friday to mark the 70^th anniversary of the global conflict. Nonetheless, he expressed heartfelt regret over the negative effects of Japan's militarism and vowed that the country will never again turn to violence to resolve disputes.

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Abe's speech had been highly anticipated by neighboring countries - particularly China and South Korea - who have urged the Japanese leader to offer an apology for the country's wartime crimes. While Abe reflected on the apologies offered by his predecessors, he did not apologize.

"Japan has repeatedly expressed the feelings of deep remorse and heartfelt apology for its actions during the war," Abe said. "No matter what kind of effort we may make, the sorrows of those who lost their family members and the painful memories of those who underwent immense suffering by the destruction of war will never be healed."

In his speech, Abe traced the history of Japan's aggressiveness after the First World War and outlined the issues that pushed the country to go to war. He reiterated that Japan will not resort to threats or force to resolve international disputes and vowed to respect the right to self-determination of all nations.

"With deep repentance for the war, Japan made that pledge," he said. "Upon it, we have created a free and democratic country, abided by the rule of law and consistently upheld that pledge never to wage war again. While taking silent pride in the path we have walked as a peace-loving nation for as long as seventy years, we remain determined never to deviate from this steadfast course."

Abe's commitment to peace would be welcomed by members of the international community. Neighboring countries have expressed concerns over Japan's latest security bills that could permit the country's military forces to wage war in foreign lands for the first time since the end of the Second World War. However, Japanese authorities have defended the legislation saying it is necessary to combat the evolving threats the country faces.

Earlier in the week, former Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama - who apologized for Japanese wartime atrocities in 1995 - said it was essential for Abe to do the same considering the strained ties with neighboring countries at the moment. Murayama warned that neighboring countries could harbor "skepticism" if Abe didn't apologize.

A recent survey conducted by Global Times and South Korea's MK Business News showed that many Chinese and South Koreans still have negative impressions of Japan.

At the moment, it is unclear if Abe's words would appease China, South Korea or other neighboring countries, who suffered in the hands of Japan.

Abe concluded his speech by saying Japan is willing to collaborate with other countries to uphold democracy, freedom and the respect for human rights.

TagsJapan World War II Atrocities China, Shinzo Abe Speech 70th Anniversary of World War II, Japan World War II Crimes, Japan World War 2