August 17th, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian presided over a regular press conference.
A reporter asked that, according to reports, Japanese Prime Minister Yukie Akamine delivered a speech at the "National Memorial Ceremony for the Fallen" held on the 15th. What is China's comment on this?
Lin Jian stated that in her speech, Governor Takahashi avoided mentioning 'reflections' and 'lessons learned', and ambiguously dealt with the responsibility for aggression. By doing so, she essentially went back to the past, once again exposing the sinister intentions of Governor Takahashi's regime to conceal, distort, and impeach the history of aggression. This has drawn strong condemnation and widespread opposition from all parties.
Lin Jian pointed out that on the day of Japan's defeat and surrender, Koichi Takashi offered sacrificial offerings to the 'war criminal shrine'. Japanese Defense Minister Shinzo Abe and other high-ranking officials also visited the shrine, further increasing the heightened vigilance of Asian neighbors and the international community towards Japan's national direction.
"Renowned scholars in Japan pointed out that a nation without self-reflection is unable to gain trust. The actions of the Defense Minister are equivalent to supporting an invasion war." Lin Jian stated, "This year marks the 81st anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War Against Japan and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the 80th anniversary of the opening of the Tokyo Trials. Only by facing history squarely and learning from it can we avoid repeating past mistakes and straying into a wrong path."
"We urge Japan's political leaders to earnestly listen to the voices of justice from both domestic and international society in Japan, reflect deeply on their responsibilities, sever all ties with militarism completely, and avoid going down a path of increasing wrong-turnings." Lin Jian said.
According to previous reports by Japanese media such as Kyodo News, on the 15th, Koike Masae delivered a speech at what was called a 'commemorative ceremony for the fallen in the war', stating that 'we will never let such tragedies in war happen again', but did not mention any words about 'reflection'.
Kogai said, “We will never let such war tragedies happen again. No matter how time passes, we must pass on this firm vow from generation to generation, and carry it through to the end.”
She said, “Japan can play an important role in addressing various issues faced by different countries. We can become a shining beacon in the Indo-Pacific region, a country that deserves the trust of all nations.”
Japanese media reported that Governor Takashi did not mention the word "reflection," nor did he address Japan's responsibility for the atrocities committed in Asian countries.
