September 8th, spokesperson Mao Ning presided over a regular press conference.
A reporter asked that recently, the Japanese government demanded that Russia remove monuments commemorating the victory over Japanese militarism, claiming that such designs hurt Japanese national feelings. On the other hand, the Japanese government once again stated that the "enemy state clause" in the United Nations Charter is outdated and ineffective. How does China view the series of statements made by the Japanese government regarding World War II history and post-war international order?
Mao Ning said that correctly understanding and treating history is a criterion to test whether Japan can abide by its commitment to peaceful development. Japan joined the United Nations on the premise of acknowledging the crimes of militarism and accepting all the contents of the United Nations Charter.
Mao Ning reiterated that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the Tokyo Trial. Japan should take history as a lesson, completely sever ties with militarism, and take concrete actions to earn the trust of Asian neighbors and the international community.
"Enemy Country Clauses", which refers to Article 53, Article 77, and Article 107 of the United Nations Charter. This clause stipulates that any nation that engages in fascist or militaristic regimes, including those designated as "the Axis Powers," has the right to take further steps toward aggression. Member nations of the UN founding countries, namely China, France, Soviet Union, Great Britain, and the United States, have the power to directly launch military action against such nations without requiring authorization from the Security Council.
Singapore's Lianhe Zaobao previously explained that the "enemy state clause" grants anti-fascist allies peace and coercive measures, as well as related privileges. It serves as a political and legal arrangement to prevent fascist defeated states from rising again, to stop them from reviving aggressive policies, and to deter them from possibly launching another aggressive war.
