A Call for Historical Reflection
In a recent regular news briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun issued a strong call for Japan to deeply reflect on its historical crimes and take concrete actions to break away from militarism. Emphasizing the importance of a peaceful development path, Guo stated that attempting to distort history or cover up past crimes will not win the tolerance or trust of the international community.
Contrasting Paths to Repentance
The discussion comes at a pivotal time, as this year marks the 80th anniversary of the beginning of the Tokyo Trials and the 80th anniversary of the conclusion of the Nuremberg Trials. Spokesperson Guo highlighted a stark contrast between how the two defeated World War II belligerents, Germany and Japan, have handled their legacies.
Germany has been praised for its commitment to soul-searching, recently launching an online Nazi history search tool that has garnered millions of visits. Through nationwide anti-Nazi education and a legal framework that penalizes the denial of history, Germany has successfully won global respect by holding fascists accountable.
In contrast, the Chinese side expressed concern that voices negating or attempting to overturn the outcomes of the Tokyo Trials are becoming more prevalent in Japan, with some lamenting that the memory of those trials is fading.
Concerns Over Right-Wing Influence
Guo pointed out that the Japanese government has increasingly shied away from the verdicts of justice. This includes the perceived abandonment of the Murayama Statement and the Kono Statement, both of which previously expressed remorse and apologies for Japan's colonial aggression.
Furthermore, the spokesperson accused the Japanese government of abetting right-wing forces in their efforts to whitewash war crimes. A primary point of contention remains the Yasukuni war shrine, where Class-A war criminals are enshrined and frequently visited by Japanese prime ministers and officials.
The Impact on Education and Global Order
The Chinese Foreign Ministry also raised alarms regarding Japanese school textbooks, which allegedly fail to present the history of aggression accurately. Instead of fostering a "no-more-war" mindset, the content often portrays Japan as a victim, instilling an incorrect view of World War II history in younger generations.
According to the spokesperson, these actions represent a clear challenge to the outcomes of World War II and the stability of the postwar international order, urging a shift toward genuine accountability to ensure lasting peace in Asia.
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China urges Japan to take real actions to break with militarism
cgtn.com
