The latest issue of Modern Business, a well-known though not mainstream Japanese magazine, which runs in-depth reports and often triggers public debate, revealed Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's private conversation with chiefs of some Japanese media outlets in early June. During the talks, Abe reportedly stated that Japan's security bill is aimed at the South China Sea and China, and that he has ambitions to carry it forward.

The conversation was said to contain more provocative content about South Korea. The prime minister is supposed to satisfy his own people and handle the country's relations with other powers well, especially neighbors. But obviously Abe has done neither.

According to a Nikkei newspaper survey published Monday, Abe is losing public support over his hands-on push to pass a security bill that would shake the foundations of Japan's pacifist constitution and allow it to come to the defense of other nations. Support for Abe's cabinet dropped below 50 percent.

The survey also shows that 81 percent of respondents believe there had not been sufficient explanation of the legislation. Over the weekend, thousands protested against the legislation in Tokyo.

Meanwhile, Abe seems to be at his wit's end when dealing with China. The revealed conversation comes at a time when simmering tensions between the two countries saw some signs of easing. China and Japan held their first bilateral security talks in over four years, which many experts viewed as a breakthrough.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the end of WWII. Abe is expected to make use of this opportunity to reflect on Japan's wartime atrocities and mend ties with its neighbors such as China and South Korea. However, Abe's whimsical approach suggested he may do otherwise.

A few days ago, sources revealed that the Japanese government is considering downgrading a statement, which is issued by a Japanese prime minister on significant anniversaries to offer apologies over the country's wartime actions, to Abe's "personal view." This will make the statement different from the 1995 and 2005 statements by former prime ministers that reflect the Japanese government's official view of history.

These mixed signs presented by Abe and his government will not help bring Japan's derailed relationship with neighboring countries back on the right track. Whether Abe will stop uttering provocative words and face up to history is the testimony of whether his administration is sincere in improving ties.