BEIJING, April 23 -- As the world prepares to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, the Japanese government should signal its willingness to reconcile with Asian neighbors through actions as well as words.

In what has been considered a preview of a speech to be delivered in August, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expressed "deep remorse" for Japan's WWII aggression, but stopped short of apologizing at the Asian-African Summit in Indonesia on Wednesday.

The move was regrettable because the international summit presented an opportunity for Japan to mend fences with its wartime victims in Asia.

Seventy years after Japan's invasion and its colonial rule ended in surrender, historical wrongs still cast a shadow over international relations in the region.

According to a recent survey by the Asahi Shimbun, one of five national newspapers in Japan, only 46 percent of Japanese believe Japan has reconciled with its wartime victim neighbors.

In his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the summit, Abe reaffirmed that his cabinet will stick to the stance of past governments on historical issues, including the Murayama Statement.

In 1995, then-prime minister Tomiichi Murayama publicly apologized for the damage and suffering Japan inflicted upon Asian nations during the war through its colonial rule and aggression. The wording was repeated by prime minister Junichiro Koizumi in 2005.

Abe's reaffirmation, which was general in its wording, should be accompanied by consistent and positive actions that demonstrate the nation is facing up to its history.

Certainly, approving new textbooks that blatantly water down Japan's atrocities during WWII and ritual offerings dedicated to the notorious Yasukuni Shrine are not moves in that direction. Neither is allowing politicians to visit the shrine, which honors Japan's war dead, including 14 Class-A convicted WWII criminals.

These provocations only fan the flames of anger toward Japan and cause peace-loving people worldwide to question the Japanese government's promise to reflect on history.

As evidenced by Germany's reconciliatory efforts after WWII, settling wartime history is key to improving post-wartime relations. The lack of a sincere apology is a major reconciliation barrier.

However, Wednesday's meeting between Xi and Abe, their second since November, was seen as another sign of thawing relations.

Beijing's agreement to hold the meeting upon Japan's request showed that both sides are willing to take positive steps.

In an age of globalization, peace, development and cooperation represent the irreversible trend of the times. China's initiatives,including the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), have been echoed positively worldwide and present huge opportunities for cooperation.

As the world's third largest economy, Japan should view these initiatives in a positive light and work with China to contribute to global and regional peace, stability and prosperity.

However, this future cannot be forged with disruptions caused by insensitivity.