Beijing, Seoul and Washington will closely watch Abe’s personal speech

By Da Zhigang Source:Global Times Published: 2015-7-1 

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe reportedly plans to forgo Cabinet endorsement for the speech to be given at the 70th anniversary of the end of WWII. Abe's decision has triggered heated discussion in China and South Korea, which have historical feuds with Japan. The US, the most important ally to Japan, has also shown concern about the speech as well.
Whether Abe will follow his predecessors Tomiichi Murayama and Junichiro Koizumi to include terms such as "colonial rule and aggression" and "remorse" in the statement is the key issue of concern, since Abe's talk will be an indicator of Japan's future policy and will influence Japan's diplomatic relations with its neighboring countries.
If Abe chooses to ignore Japan's wartime past in his speech on the 70th anniversary of Japan's surrender, how should China, South Korea and the US respond? The strategies of China, South Korea and the US deserve attention at this crucial juncture when Japan's revisions to the security bill are in the final stage of passing.
South Korea and Japan have conflicting views on history and this has caused a harm to their ties. In addition, South Korea's distancing from Japan has been criticized domestically, especially after Abe made a successful visit to the US and China-Japan relationship began to improve. South Korea has attempted to amend its ties with Japan recently. South Korea's floundering economy has diverted its public attention from Japan to the government as President Park Geun-hye's popularity has slid to its lowest point.
All the above concerns have made South Korea cautious toward Abe's talk. It is highly likely that South Korea may condemn Japan ostensibly, but continue to amend its ties with Japan via reconciliation talks.