China has called on Japan to confront its wartime past with sincerity after newly declassified Russian documents shed light on the atrocities committed by Imperial Japan's Unit 731 during World War II. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized Thursday that Tokyo must 'deeply reflect on its history of aggression' and address lingering historical grievances.
The Russian government's release of archival records provides fresh evidence of the unit's biological warfare activities in occupied China, including live human experimentation and germ weapon development. 'These crimes violated international law and trampled on human dignity,' Mao stated during a regular press briefing.
Only by facing history squarely can one gain respect; only by using history as a mirror can one forge a future
The diplomatic appeal comes as China marks the 80th anniversary of its victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Mao stressed that Japan must 'completely break with militarism' and take concrete steps to eliminate its legacy, urging Tokyo to demonstrate responsible historical stewardship through actions rather than rhetoric.
This development underscores ongoing tensions in East Asian historical reconciliation efforts, with implications for regional diplomacy and international perceptions of Japan's wartime conduct. The revelations coincide with heightened global scrutiny of historical accountability mechanisms and their role in contemporary international relations.
