Washington, May 18 – US President Joe Biden will not apologize for the 1945 atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, according to Jake Sullivan, the White House’s national security adviser. Sullivan made the statement on Wednesday, addressing a journalist’s question regarding Biden’s intentions to issue an apology for the US’s use of atomic bombs on the Japanese cities.
Sullivan clarified that President Biden would not be making a statement at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. While attending a summit of the Group of Seven (G7) in Japan, along with other G7 leaders, Biden will participate in various events and pay respects. However, Sullivan emphasized that, from the president’s perspective, this was not considered a “bilateral moment.”
This year, Japan holds the chairmanship of the G7. The leaders of the member nations are set to convene for the summit from May 19 to 21.
The decision by President Biden to forego an apology for the atomic bombings reflects a continuation of the stance held by previous US administrations. The bombings, which occurred towards the end of World War II, remain a contentious issue, with differing views on their necessity and impact on Japan’s surrender.
As Japan assumes its role as the host of the G7 summit, discussions among world leaders are expected to encompass a range of pressing global issues. While the decision not to issue an apology may disappoint some, the focus of the summit will likely center on addressing shared challenges, promoting cooperation, and advancing international relations.
