Obama not likely to show at parade

Washington urged to press Japan on long-standing history issue

Despite Beijing's invitation, US President Barack Obama is unlikely to attend the military parade to be hosted by China later this year to mark the 70th anniversary of the World War II victory, Chinese analysts said.

The leader of the United States will pay stronger attention to similar commemorations in Europe, the main and decisive theater during the war that the US was more deeply involved, said Su Hao, a researcher of Asia-Pacific studies based in Beijing.

"Also Obama may not appear in China to upset Japan, its major East Asian ally that has constantly irritated its neighbors by distorting wartime aggression," Su said.

"It is not of the US interest to pressure Tokyo heavily on historic issue. Rather, Washington needs an agent to executive the US pivot in the Asia-Pacific region and contain a rising China," he added.

Earlier this month, China announced its plan to commemorate this year's anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1937-45).

China's celebrating activities include meetings, receptions, artistic performances and most notably a military parade, which "Beijing will extend invitations to the leaders of all relevant countries and international organizations", according to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Wang made the remarks at a press conference of the convening National People's Congress, China's top legislative body, saying the commemorative agenda will be a main theme for China's diplomatic mission this year.

"We will work with the international community to draw lessons from history, look to the future, and make China a staunch force for peace," Wang said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to visit the US this autumn at the invitation of Obama. However, whether Obama will attend Beijing's celebration depends on his schedule, China's Vice-Foreign Minister Cheng Guoping was quoted by the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post as saying.

Observers said it is unclear whether Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will be able to participate in the events, even though the Chinese top diplomat said Beijing welcomes the participation of anyone who is sincere about coming.

Li Haidong, a professor of US studies at China Foreign Affairs University, said the US is more likely to send a senior envoy to attend China's military parade after a balance between its relations with Japan and China.

"However, if Abe manages to show up in Beijing, it would be a great improvement for Japan's relations with its wartime neighbors; if not, Japan would be dwarfing itself diplomatically in front of the world again," Li said.

Su, the researcher, said Washington needs no more than some "lofty talks" from Abe on Japan's post-war contribution instead of urging the administration to repent on its past crimes, although their alliance is constantly disrupted by Tokyo's provocative stance on wartime history.

"China and the US, both victims of Japanese militarism during the war, have the obligation to urge Japan to reflect on its guilt with sincerity instead of indulging history to be distorted by politicians with ulterior motives," said Ma Gang, a military history professor at the National Defense University of the People's Liberation Army.

puzhendong@chinadaily.com.cn