China on Tuesday hinted that it might have invited Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to Beijing later this year to a military parade marking the end of World War II, but refused to explicitly confirm whether Abe was invited.

In an event that could highlight the 70th anniversary of Japan's defeat of the war, China has invited world leaders to the planned military parade, which is likely to be held on Sept. 3 and presided over by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Asked whether Abe has been invited to the September parade, China's foreign ministry spokeswoman, Hua Chunying said at a regular press briefing, "As for which countries' leaders have been invited, we have said that we already sent invitations to leaders of all relevant countries and international organizations."

When asked again whether China sent an invitation to Abe, Hua did not specify Abe by name.

Instead, Hua replied, "We have sent invitations to leaders of all relevant countries and international organizations. So, do you think that Japan is relevant or not to this war?"

Last Saturday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Seoul and extended an invitation to South Korean President Park Geun-hye to attend the September event in Beijing, according to South Korea's foreign ministry.

Relations between China and Japan have always been rocky because of their shared history but have deteriorated further because of a simmering territorial dispute involving a group of uninhabited islands in the East China Sea. (Yonhap)