Quote me on that

"The Potsdam Proclamation and the judgment by the International Military Tribunal for the Far East were recognized by Japan and were the premises for building postwar Japan. The Japanese government must keep its promises and take a clear and responsible attitude toward defining the nature of its wars of aggression as well as the responsibility of the Class-A war criminals. China holds no objection to the ordinary people's memorial ceremony for their relatives, but Japanese leaders' shrine visits are related to Japan's understanding of the nature and responsibility of the war. China absolutely cannot accept it."

Another Yasukuni visit stirs anger of Tokyo's neighbors

A Japanese Cabinet minister's visit to the Yasukuni Shrine on New Year's Day further strained relations between Tokyo and its Asian neighbors, observers said.

Abe disgraces Japan where Brandt honored Germany

New Year's Day is usually a moment of joy and celebration, of pause and meditation, and of reflection and introspection.

Chinese warship to escort vessel

The Chinese warship scheduled to participate in the UN mission to dispose of Syria's chemical weapons set sail to the Mediterranean Sea late on Tuesday, China News Service reported on Wednesday.

Kim seeks ROK ties, warns US of nuclear 'disaster'

Kim Jong-un, the leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, called for closer ties with the Republic of Korea in a televised New Year's message on Wednesday, but warned the United States of a "massive nuclear disaster" if war breaks out again on the peninsula.

S. Sudan government, rebels set for peace talks

South Sudan's government and rebels were set to start New Year's Day peace talks in Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa, to hash out details of a ceasefire to end more than two weeks of ethnic bloodletting in the world's newest state, mediators said.

Musharraf misses treason trial amid security concerns

Pakistan's former military ruler Pervez Musharraf failed to show up for a hearing in the treason case against him on Wednesday, with his lawyers citing security threats.

Latvia becomes 18th member of eurozone

Latvia joined the eurozone on Wednesday, banking on its experience with austerity to bring it prosperity in a currency union in which other economies have foundered.

Iran to begin nuke compliance

Iran has agreed with world powers to begin implementing an agreement in late January obliging Teheran to suspend its most sensitive nuclear work, an Iranian official was quoted as saying on Tuesday.

IN BRIEF (Page 11)

New Year's wishes from leaders

As 2014 got under way on Wednesday, world figures issued messages addressing their major concerns and hopes for their people over the next 12 months.

The year gone by, caught on camera

As the new year dawns, China can look back on a hectic 2013.