'We must learn from the past'

After Japan complains, UN chief says 'looking for a better future' also purpose of Beijing visit

Amid Japan's complaints over his China visit, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon warned that it is difficult to move in the right direction if the lessons of history are not understood correctly.

The UN chief, who attended Thursday's V-Day commemorations, including a parade and a grand reception at which dozens of foreign leaders gathered, made the comments in an interview on Friday with Chinese media in Beijing.