Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun

China has lodged protests with Japan, asking for clarification regarding reported negative remarks and moves made by the Japanese side concerning the September 3  commemorative activities and military parade in Beijing to mark the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Tuesday, adding that Japan should face squarely and reflect on its history of aggression with sincerity.

Guo's remarks came after Japanese media outlet Kyodo News claimed on Sunday that the Japanese government asked European and Asian countries through diplomatic channels not to attend the September 3 commemorative activities and military parade in Beijing, citing "multiple diplomatic sources." The report also claimed that "Japan seeks to prevent China's interpretation of history from spreading."

Japanese media cited sources, who claimed that due to "anti-Japanese overtones," the participation of leaders should be "carefully considered."

In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo stated that China has lodged a protest with Japan and asked for clarification, and emphasized that the Chinese government will host the commemorative events marking the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War to remember history, honor the martyrs, cherish peace and usher in a brighter future.

Guo stated that countries that face up to history honestly and sincerely, learn from history and truly commit themselves to peaceful development will not have misgivings about the events or even raise objections.

To view and treat history correctly is an important prerequisite for Japan's post-war return to the international community. It is the political foundation of Japan's relations with neighboring countries, and more importantly, a yardstick for Japan's commitment to peaceful development, the spokesperson noted. 

If Japan truly wants to turn this page on historical issues, it should face squarely and reflect on its history of aggression with sincerity, make a clean break with militarism, stick to the path of peaceful development, and respect the sentiments of people from China and other victim countries, so as to earn the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community, Guo said.  

As of press time, the Japanese government has not made any clarifications. However, US military newspaper Stars and Stripes, citing "an official from Japan's Foreign Ministry's First China and Mongolia Division," claimed on Monday that Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan is aware of the Kyodo News report but will not comment on discussions with other countries that involve diplomatic matters.

Some analysts said that the Japanese media has a precedent of coordinating with the government by floating trial balloons. If this media leak proves accurate, it would indicate that Japan is not only psychologically denying the history of its war of aggression but is also attempting to translate this unscrupulous denial into concrete action. 

Global Times