China has issued a forceful rebuke against Japan's right-wing factions for allegedly rewriting wartime history, with Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun stating on December 17, 2025 that such actions 'severely damage mutual trust and regional stability.' The remarks come amid renewed tensions over historical interpretations of Japan's 20th-century military actions.
Guo emphasized that 'facing history squarely remains the cornerstone for developing China-Japan relations,' urging Tokyo to retract recent controversial statements about wartime conduct. Analysts note this year has seen increased diplomatic friction, with multiple Asian governments expressing concern about historical revisionism affecting present-day relations.
The controversy follows reports this month of Japanese educational materials omitting references to wartime atrocities. China maintains that accurate historical accounting is crucial for maintaining peace, with state media recently highlighting the 80th anniversary of the Chinese people's victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.
Regional observers suggest the dispute could impact economic cooperation, particularly in advanced technology and green energy sectors where both nations play leading roles. The Chinese mainland continues to advocate for multilateral dialogue platforms to address historical grievances while promoting practical cooperation.
