BEIJING, March 17 -- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's deceitful attitude toward historical issues came to light once again on Monday, further proving his country's ineligibility for a bigger role in the UN.

The dead giveaway came at an event in Tokyo marking the 70th anniversary of the leading world body, which was also attended by visiting UN chief Ban Ki-moon.

In his speech, Ban called the lack of reconciliation among China, Japan and South Korea"a missing link" in Northeast Asian peace and stability, and urged leaders of the three neighbors to foster forward-looking ties while remembering the past.

Speaking after Ban, Abe said Japan is built on "deep regret over the past war," but he did not bother to specify if the regret was over the unspeakable pains militarist Japan inflicted upon other Asian countries.

He then quickly moved on to depict his country as a peace-loving nation that has made big contributions to the world, and accentuated Tokyo's desire to play a more prominent role in the UN, like a permanent member of the UN Security Council.

Such audacity borders on shamelessness. As former German Chancellor Willy Brandt said, those who forget history cannot see the future. How can a country that cannot see the future be allowed a permanent seat in the world's most powerful body?

Given the daunting challenges facing mankind today, the world needs a bigger role of Japan. But Tokyo first needs to convince the international community that it is ready for that.

Among the first things Japan needs to do is correct its stance on history, face up to its wartime past, sincerely repent the atrocities it committed and gain the trust of the international community.