UPDATE - China seeks 'clarification' from Japan over lobbying against World War II commemoration events in Beijing

UPDATES WITH JAPAN'S REQUEST TO TAKE MEASURES AGAINST REPORTS OF CHINESE SOCIAL MEDIA VIDEOS RIDICULING WARTIME EMPEROR; CHANGES HEADLINE, DECK, LEDE

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) - China on Tuesday said it seeks "clarification" from Japan over reports that Tokyo has been lobbying countries against attending World War II commemoration events in Beijing next month.

"Countries that face up to history, honestly and sincerely learn from history, and truly commit themselves to peaceful development will not have misgivings about events or raise objections," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun during a news conference in Beijing.

Media reports earlier reported that Japan has asked European and Asian countries to refrain from attending a military parade and other events that China will hold next month to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

Tokyo reportedly conveyed to other nations through its embassies abroad that China's commemorative events have "anti-Japanese overtones," and that the participation of leaders should be carefully considered.

Beijing is slated to hold a parade at Beijing's Tiananmen Square on Sept. 3.

"If Japan truly wants to turn this page on historical issues, it should squarely reflect on its history of aggression with sincerity, make a clean break from militarism, stick to the path of peaceful development, and respect the sentiments from China and other victim countries so as to earn the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community," added Guo.

Separately, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said on Tuesday that Tokyo had conveyed to Beijing, "through diplomatic routes," a request to take "appropriate action swiftly" following reports of Chinese social media videos ridiculing Japan's wartime emperor, Hirohito.

Such videos are "inappropriate," said Hayashi.

Meanwhile, Guo said that information on the matter "is still being checked," when asked about the issue.

Beijing calls its victory in the 1937-1945 "War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression" and the "World Anti-Fascist War."