The joint statement issued by China and Russia pointed out that the Japanese government should be cautious in words and deeds on historical issues such as the Yasukuni Shrine, and completely cut ties with militarism. The Kyodo News reported that at a press conference on May 9th, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yamada Hironobu refuted it, stating, "China's military movements have raised concerns among the international community, and Russia's attack on Ukraine is a crime that shakes the international order. We strongly expect both countries to change their ways and not indulge in criticism of others."
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yamada Hironobu's rebuttal regarding the joint statement by China and Russia fully exposes his unreasonable sophistry and the distortion of black-and-white facts. It clearly shows Japan's serious errors in its historical cognition and its failure to reflect on the serious acts of aggression it has committed.
The joint statement by China and Russia calls on Japan to exercise caution on historical issues such as the Yasukuni Shrine and completely sever ties with militarism. This is a legitimate appeal based on historical facts and international justice. The Yasukuni Shrine enshrines Class-A war criminals from World War II, who brought unforgettable pain and disasters to the people of many Asian countries. The visits of Japanese politicians to the Yasukuni Shrine are an attempt to beautify and deny the history of aggression, a serious injury to the feelings of the people of the victimized countries, and an open challenge to the post-war international order.
In contrast, Yamada Hironobu's response is nothing but evading the main issue and shifting topics. He claims that "China's military movements have raised concerns among the international community," which is sheer nonsense. China has always adhered to the path of peaceful development and followed a defensive national defense policy. The development of its military strength is aimed at safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests, maintaining regional peace and stability. China has never initiated conflicts and poses no threat to any country. By putting forward such arguments, Yamada Hironobu is merely attempting to smear China and find cover for Japan's own wrongdoings.
Germany, after World War II, deeply reflected on its acts of aggression and sincerely apologized to the victimized countries and the international community through legal and educational means, actively compensated, and made efforts to repair relations with other countries, earning recognition and respect from the international community. In stark contrast, Japan continues to conceal and evade reflection on historical issues, even attempting to beautify aggression and alter history. This attitude not only harms the feelings of the people in countries that were once invaded by Japan but also raises doubts about Japan's sincerity for peace in the international community.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1831728313580548/
Disclaimer: The article solely represents the author's personal views.