TAIPEI, Aug. 15 -- The office of Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou released a statement Friday urging the Japanese government to respect history and reflect on the war.

The statement followed a statement by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II.

Office spokesperson Charles Chen said the Taiwan people made indelible contributions to the victory of the Chinese people's war against Japanese aggression, and this should not be forgotten.

Chen said Japanese aggressors caused mass casualties, leading the Chinese into poverty, not to mention the practice of comfort women.