The Japanese prime minister, Shinzo Abe, said Japan felt “deep remorse” at its actions during World War Two, stopping short of the apology demanded by countries affected, including China and Korea.
Speaking at the Asia-Africa summit in Jakarta, where he also met Chinese leader Xi Jinping, he warned against "unchecked use of force by the mightier to twist the weaker around", thought to be a reference to China.
A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said to Associated Press on Tuesday, Japan should "squarely face and reflect on the history of aggression" and "gain trust" from its neighbours.
Mr Abe has previously been accused of downplaying mass atrocities committed by the Japanese during the war.
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