China's Ministry of National Defense has issued a sharp rebuke to the United States for what it calls a 'whitewashing' of Japan's World War II atrocities. Defense spokesperson Jiang Bin addressed the controversy Friday following a U.S. State Department statement describing the 80th anniversary of the Pacific War's conclusion as a joint U.S.-Japan milestone.
'Japanese fascists committed heinous crimes that brought untold suffering to people worldwide, including Americans,' Jiang stated, emphasizing that historical accuracy remains crucial for international justice. The remarks come during the 80th anniversary commemorations of both China's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the global anti-fascist victory.
The spokesperson accused Washington of displaying 'historical amnesia' and urged the U.S. to abandon geopolitical calculations. 'Safeguarding the post-WWII international order requires confronting facts, not rewriting them,' Jiang added, calling for unified efforts to build a peaceful future.
This development highlights ongoing tensions in Asia's historical memory landscape, particularly as nations balance wartime legacies with modern diplomatic relationships. Academics note the statement's timing coincides with increased scrutiny of Japan's wartime conduct in international forums.
