Question: This year marks the 80th anniversary of the opening of the Tokyo Trials. Recently, a series of commemorative events and academic discussions have been held around the world on the legacy of the Trials. What is China’s comment?
Embassy Spokesperson: History must not be denied, still less overturned. We have noted that within Japan there have always been important voices calling for an honest reckoning with history and reflection on the war, including atomic bomb survivors, civic groups in Nagasaki, and many other people of insight and conscience. They have called for a correct and comprehensive understanding of the historical facts surrounding Japanese militarists’ wars of aggression, and for a full acknowledgment of Japan’s responsibility as a perpetrator of war, rather than a one-sided emphasis on its experience as a victim of war. These rational and responsible voices deserve respect. They also reflect a sense of responsibility within Japanese society to uphold historical truth and safeguard peace and development.
China has consistently maintained that a correct understanding and treatment of history constitutes an important political foundation for Japan’s relations with its Asian neighbours and an important prerequisite for earning the trust of the international community. We urge Japan to take a responsible attitude towards history, its people and future generations, earnestly reflect upon and draw lessons from its history of aggression, make a clean break with militarism, honour its commitment to peaceful development through concrete actions, and win the trust of its Asian neighbours and the international community.
China stands ready to work with the international community to uphold the correct historical perspective on World War II, safeguard the legacy of the Tokyo Trials and the outcomes of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War, uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, oppose all forms of aggression, expansionism and power politics, and jointly preserve the hard-won environment of peace.
History illuminates the future. In light of the real risk posed by the growing influence of “new militarism” in Japan, revisiting the background, conclusions and principles of the Tokyo Trials carries even greater significance today. History must not be distorted, justice must not be challenged, and peace requires the common efforts of all countries to safeguard it. Any attempt to distort history, deny aggression, or challenge the basic norms governing international relations will be met with vigilance and opposition from the international community. Only by genuinely learning the lessons of history and adhering to the path of peaceful development can humanity prevent the recurrence of past tragedies and work together to build a more peaceful and better future.
