The "ambiguous strategy" adopted by Shinzo Abe, who is likely to be the next Japanese prime minister, will make Sino-Japanese relations uncertain, according to a Chinese scholar.

The comments, made by Gao Hong with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in a commentary published on Thursday's overseas edition of People's Daily, refer to Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Shinzo Abe's defence of current Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's pilgrimages to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine and his refusal to say whether or not he would visit the shrine as prime minister.

"Abe must ultimately use facts to demonstrate whether he is truly serious about relations with China," Gao said.

In August, Abe said he valued China-Japan relations during the Beijing-Tokyo Forum in Tokyo. In April, Abe is reported to have visited the Yasukuni Shrine.

Gao listed three reasons why Abe has refused to answer the question of future shrine visits.

Firstly, Abe wants to ease domestic pressure and pave the way for his election. Koizumi's shrine visits have harmed Japan's neighborly diplomacy and sparked protests from opposition and coalition parties, politicians and civil groups.

Secondly, halting the visits is in the strategic interests of the United States, who do not want to see Japan blocking relations with China and the Republic of Korea (ROK).

Thirdly, Japan's aggression during the World War II is a fact, and it can not be obliterated. Abe understands this point and shows more flexibility in this regard than Koizumi.

Abe last week announced his candidacy to become Japan's next prime minister.

"Perhaps the strategists and advisers at Abe's side see the strategy of ambiguity as a success, but they appear to have forgotten the lesson that sincerity can vanquish a hundred tricks, " Gao said.

If Japan truly hopes to unload "the historical burden", it should review history from the bottom of its heart, Gao said.