China’s foreign minister said on Sunday that the country will be welcoming all national leaders in a military parade commemorating the 70th anniversary of the World War II’s conclusion.
The announcement is by far the strongest hint seen by many as China's invitation to its wartime enemy, Japan.
When asked whether Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will be invited, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said: "We will extend the invitation to the leaders of all relevant countries and international organizations. No matter who it is, as long as they come in sincerity, we welcome them."
"Our goal is to remember history, commemorate the martyrs, cherish peace and look to the future," Wang shared.
In previous statements, China's foreign ministry announced that it will only be inviting leaders from the major participating countries during the war and from the countries in the region.
The foreign minister's statement came as both countries are currently planning to hold security talks in Tokyo. The March 19 dialogue, which is a first in four years, is also regarded as an opportunity to enhance the strained Sino-Japanese relations.
The two countries' ties have long been tarnished as China does not see Japan's atonement for its colonization of some parts of the country before, during, and even after the war.
Wang further said that Japan should check its conscience about the country's war history.
"Seventy years ago Japan lost the war. Seventy years later, Japan should not lose its conscience. Will it continue to carry the baggage of history or will it make a clean break with past aggression?" the foreign minister enthused.