According to a news conference on August 26 hosted by Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun:
A reporter asked about reports from August 24, which cited diplomatic sources claiming that the Japanese government had used diplomatic channels to urge European and Asian countries not to attend the 80th anniversary of the victory of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and a military parade scheduled for September 3 in Beijing, China. Japan reportedly told countries through its embassies that the event was overly focused on history and had a strong anti-Japanese tone, urging them to be cautious about attending. The reporter then asked for China’s comment on the matter.
Guo Jiakun responded that China had noted the reports and lodged a serious protest with Japan, demanding clarification.
He stated that the Chinese government’s commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War is intended to remember history, honor martyrs, cherish peace, and open up the future. He added that any nation that faces history with honesty, truly learns its lessons, and is genuinely committed to peaceful development would not have doubts or objections about the event.
Guo emphasized that correctly understanding and addressing history is a critical prerequisite for Japan’s return to the international community after the war, a political foundation for developing relationships with neighboring countries, and a yardstick for measuring Japan’s commitment to peaceful development. He said that if Japan genuinely wants to move past its historical issues, it should honestly face and reflect on its history of aggression, completely sever ties with militarism, adhere to a path of peaceful development, and sincerely respect the feelings of the people in victimized countries like China. He concluded that this is the only way for Japan to gain the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community.
