On Tuesday, China called on Japan to stop whitewashing its wartime aggression and colonial rule. Chinese Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized that a genuine reckoning with history is crucial for building lasting peace and healthy regional ties.
During his briefing, Lin Jian criticized efforts in Japan to downplay its wartime actions. He pointed to distortions in the accounts of forced recruitment of comfort women and the repeated visits by Japanese politicians to the Yasukuni Shrine, where Class-A war criminals are enshrined. Such actions, he warned, hinder Japan’s return to a role of trusted international partner.
This call for accountability comes at a poignant moment, marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. It serves as a reminder that reflecting on difficult histories is key to a peaceful future.
Lin Jian’s remarks highlight that embracing an honest treatment of history isn’t just about the past—it is a critical step toward building enduring, friendly relationships in the region. For a generation that values transparency and cultural understanding, this message resonates deeply. 🕊️
As young people across Asia seek informed perspectives on global events, the call for historical truth reinforces the idea that acknowledging past mistakes can pave the way for progress and mutual respect.
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China urges Japan to stop whitewashing aggression in wartime history
cgtn.com
