China urges Japan to reflect on its history of aggression with sincerity

(ECNS) -- The Japanese government should face squarely and reflect on its history of aggression with sincerity and respect the sentiments of people from China and other victim countries, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a press conference.

Guo made the remarks at a regular news briefing after Japan reportedly urged European and Asian countries to refrain from attending the military parade and other events on September 3 in Beijing -- commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

Guo noted that China had lodged protests with Japan and asked for clarification. He stressed that the Chinese government would hold this commemoration in its capital with the aims of remembering history, honoring martyrs, cherishing peace and creating the future.

"Countries that face up to history honestly and sincerely, learn from history, and truly commit themselves to peaceful development will not have misgivings about the events or even raise objections," the spokesperson said.

To view and treat history correctly is an important prerequisite for Japan's return to the international community after World War II, the political foundation of Japan's relations with neighboring countries, and a yardstick measuring Japan's commitment to peaceful development, Guo said.

"If Japan truly wants to turn this page on historical issues, it should face squarely and reflect on its history of aggression with sincerity, make a clean break with militarism, stick to the path of peaceful development, and respect the sentiments of people from China and other victim countries, so as to earn the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community," the spokesperson concluded.

(By Zhang Dongfang)