PLA Daily warns Japan over wartime responsibility
On.cc · 2 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
On Saturday, the 81st anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II, the Chinese military newspaper PLA Daily published a commentary attacking Japanese right-wing politicians for revising historical conclusions and trying to break through the post-war order. The article said a “new militarism” in Japan has become an increasingly serious problem that threatens peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific and the wider world. It argued that Japan can win the trust of neighbouring countries only by facing its history of aggression and showing sincere remorse through concrete action. It also warned that if Japan returns to the path of militarism, the Chinese people would not accept it, the international community would not allow it, and it would end in failure, justice and historical reckoning.
Key Points
- PLA Daily said Japanese right-wing politicians have repeatedly tried to rewrite settled wartime history and challenge the post-war international order.
- The commentary accused right-wing forces of whitewashing aggression, making repeated visits to Yasukuni Shrine, and using artificial intelligence to fabricate historical materials.
- It said such actions hurt people in countries once invaded by Japan and openly challenge the post-war order and the Tokyo trial’s legacy.
- The article also criticised Japan’s military build-up, including higher defence budgets, collective self-defence changes, and looser rules on exporting lethal weapons.
- According to on.cc, the Global Times separately urged Japan to acknowledge, in law and in precise terms, wartime crimes including the Nanjing Massacre, Unit 731 activities, forced labour and “comfort women”.
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong readers, the commentary shows how wartime memory remains tightly linked to present-day regional security debates involving China and Japan. It also points to continued sensitivity over Japanese defence policy and historical language, issues that can affect public opinion and diplomatic tensions across East Asia.