Photo: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian

Regarding the letter sent from several UN human rights special mechanisms to the government of Japan, in which they expressed grave concern over Japan's denial of the right of  victims of the "comfort women" system to seek truth and reparations, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday that the forced conscription of "comfort women" was a heinous crime committed by Japanese militarism and a grave violation of the rights of the victims. The evidence is irrefutable and undeniable, and the international community has expressed strong indignation over this crime, said the spokesperson.

A number of UN human rights special mechanisms, including the working group on discrimination against women and girls, have jointly sent an allegation letter to the government of Japan, expressing grave concern over Japan's denial of the right of victims of the "comfort women" system to seek truth and reparations. China and other countries where victims of the "comfort women" system are located have responded to the request of the special mechanisms by submitting supporting materials and comments, which have been published on the website of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. 

Asked to elaborate on relevant situation, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at Thursday's press conference that for a long time, certain forces in Japan have been bent on denying or even distorting the history of the forced conscription of "comfort women." 

"China is seriously concerned about Japan's wrong attitude and practice of refusing to take a correct and honest approach to its history of aggression," Lin said, once again stating China's position.

The spokesperson said Japan should deeply reflect on its history of aggression and the grave sufferings inflicted upon the victims by its crimes. It should properly handle the remaining historical issues including the "comfort women" issue with an honest and responsible attitude, and win the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community through concrete actions.

Global Times