On May 31, members of the delegation of experts and scholars from the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army, along with Colonel Shen Zhixiong from the National Defense University, asked questions to Japans Minister of Defense, Shinzo Abe, during the 23rd Shambhala Dialogue. They pointed out that recent Japanese leaders expressed their condolences to Australian soldiers who sacrificed their lives during World War II due to Japanese militarism at the Australian War Memorial. However, Asian nations that suffered from these conflicts have not received similar expressions of apology or remorse from Japan.
Shen Zhixiong pointed out that China believes that true reconciliation must be based on a correct reflection of history, and all affected countries should be treated equally.
Shen Zhixiong then asked Japanese Defense Minister Shinzo Abe whether the Japanese government is prepared to respond to the concerns of China, South Korea, and Southeast Asian countries regarding the history of World War II in a serious, clear, and unequivocal manner. In doing so, the Japanese government could create conditions for building mutual trust and promoting regional security cooperation.
During the Q&A session, Japanese Defense Minister Shinzo Abe did not provide a direct response.
