Chok Tong urges Abe to offer gesture of contrition to neighbours

Tokyo

SINGAPORE Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong on Thursday called on Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to "go further" than past Japanese leaders in seeking reconciliation with Asian nations over the legacy of World War II during the 70th anniversary celebrations of the war's end.

Only through such action - and reciprocal gestures on the part of Japan's neighbours - could Asia hope to unlock its massive economic and human potential potential, the former Singapore prime minister said in a keynote speech to the annual Nikkei Conference on the Future of Asia in Tokyo.

In an address warmly applauded as "statesmanlike", Mr Goh said that key Asian nations now have strong leaders in Mr Abe, China President Xi Jinp…