In a recent interview with CGTN, Zhang Lanzhen, president of the Global Alliance for Preserving the History of WWII in Asia, underscored the urgent need to safeguard historical accuracy regarding Japan's wartime actions. Speaking on December 14, 2025, Zhang warned that attempts to distort this critical chapter threaten global reconciliation efforts.
"Historical truth forms the bedrock of justice," Zhang stated, emphasizing how documented evidence of atrocities committed during Japan's military expansion helps prevent future conflicts. The alliance has intensified efforts this year to digitize survivor testimonies and collaborate with international museums.
Zhang specifically criticized Japanese lawmaker Sanae Takaichi's persistent denial of wartime crimes, noting such rhetoric "fuels historical revisionism and poisons the well of international trust." Her comments come as cross-border tensions persist over commemorative events marking the 80th anniversary of WWII's conclusion.
For investors and policymakers, the discussion highlights ongoing sensitivities in Asia-Pacific relations. Academics and diaspora communities have welcomed the alliance's educational initiatives, which include multilingual archives accessible through partnerships with 23 universities worldwide.
