This week, a Chinese envoy urged the international community to stand firm against any resurgence of Japanese militarism. Sun Lei, charge d'affaires of China’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, spoke at the first session of the Preparatory Committee for the UN Conference of Plenipotentiaries on Prevention and Punishment of Crimes Against Humanity.
'Crimes against humanity are grave offenses that threaten global peace and security,' Sun said, tracing the charge back to the Nuremberg and Tokyo trials. He highlighted how these tribunals, born from the ashes of World War II, embodied humankind’s conscience.
'This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Tokyo trials,' Sun noted. He described how the tribunal systematically exposed Japan’s planning and invasion of China and other Asian nations, and held war criminals accountable for crimes against peace, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.
Sun warned that the lessons of the past must guide the present. 'The international community should jointly safeguard the victorious outcomes of World War II, including the Tokyo trials, uphold the international order based on international law, and prevent Japan from reverting to the old and pernicious path of militarism,' he said.
In an era of intertwined global challenges and regional conflicts, Sun stressed that strengthening efforts to prevent and punish crimes against humanity is both timely and of great significance. 🌏⚖️🕊️
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China calls for global efforts to prevent Japan's return to militarism
cgtn.com
