Abe won't attend China's commemorative celebration

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will not attend September events in Beijing to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, the Tokyo government's top spokesman - and Abe himself - said on Monday.

The decision was described by Chinese analysts as "letting go a good opportunity" for boosting reconciliation on the historical issues as Tokyo tries to ease diplomatic headaches with Beijing and Seoul.

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters the decision was made because of Abe's parliamentary schedule.