Abe's history statement is what neighbours make of it

Subject

Japan's colonial and wartime legacies.

Significance

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on August 14 issued a Cabinet-endorsed 'Statement on the Occasion of the 70th Anniversary of the End of the War'. The 'Abe Statement' had been much anticipated in Japan and internationally. The Japanese government -- and private corporations, too -- are attempting to resolve historical legacies that complicate relations with China and South Korea, but initiatives at both levels are having mixed effectiveness.

Impacts

• Beijing is likely to hold its official position on reparations, but let courts pursue compensation claims against private businesses.
• Compensation initiatives by private companies may be counterproductive by complicating matters for the governments involved.
• Abe's rejection of further apologies will play well domestically, but is not binding.
• The prospects are now better for a trilateral summit before year-end.