Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian Photo: Foreign Ministry

外交部发言人林剑主持12月26日例行记者会。会上俄媒记者提问称：12月25日，俄罗斯外交部发言人扎哈罗娃在记者会上回应了日本领导人可能参拜靖国神社的行为，并建议东京修建一座日本军国主义受害者纪念堂，以忏悔自身犯下的罪行。在俄中两国共同反对篡改历史、歪曲历史真相的背景下，请问中方对此有何评论？

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian presided over a regular press conference on December 26. A reporter from a Russian media outlet asked about remarks made by Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, who responded at a press briefing on Thursday to a question regarding reports that the Japanese leader may visit the Yasukuni Shrine. Zakharova said that Japan ought to construct a memorial hall dedicated to the victims of Japanese militarism, as a way to atone for the crimes it has committed. Given that China and Russia jointly oppose attempts to tamper with history and distort historical facts, the reporter asked for the Chinese side’s comment on this matter.

林剑对此表示，我们赞赏俄方的有关表态。靖国神社是日本军国主义发动对外侵略战争的精神工具和象征，供奉有对侵略战争负有严重罪责的14名甲级战犯。今年是中国人民抗日战争暨世界反法西斯战争胜利80周年，日方应正视和反省侵略历史，以实际行动体现对军国主义罪行的忏悔和对受害者的尊重，不要错上加错。中方愿同包括俄罗斯在内的国际社会一道，坚定捍卫二战胜利成果和战后国际秩序，严防日本军国主义死灰复燃，共同维护国际和平稳定。

Lin said in response that China appreciates the relevant remarks made by the Russian side. He noted that the Yasukuni Shrine is a spiritual tool and symbol of Japanese militarism that launched wars of aggression, and that it enshrines 14 Class-A war criminals who bear serious responsibility for those wars. 

“This year marks the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Japan should face up to and reflect on its history of aggression, demonstrate repentance for the crimes of militarism and respect for the victims through concrete actions, and avoid making further mistakes,” Lin said.

He added that China is willing to work with the international community, including Russia, to firmly safeguard the outcomes of the victory in World War II and the post-war international order, remain highly vigilant against the resurgence of Japanese militarism, and jointly uphold international peace and stability.