Editorial | History of Japanese aggression teaches lessons that must not be forgotten

The Victory Day parade in Beijing on September 3 commemorates Japan’s formal surrender 80 years ago and the end of the second world war. August 15, the day the Japanese government actually conceded defeat, prompts solemn reflection on the history of Japanese aggression that cost millions of lives. It is timely to recall the quote, “Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it”.

On this particular day, lessons of war must be learned, particularly by Japan. As we report, China’s People’s Liberation Army, in a commentary in the PLA Daily on the same day, criticised Japan for hollowing out its pacifist constitution and “embarking on the dangerous path of military expansion”. The People’s Daily also ran a commentary calling for history not to be forgotten.

Remembering history does not entail perpetuating hatred, but safeguarding its lessons for regional and world peace for future generations. Japan should take seriously China’s concerns about its military expansion in recent years in the name of “self-defence”, and also about Tokyo’s characterisation of a “China threat” to Taiwan.

Japan commemorates the August 15 surrender solemnly on that day. In Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s commemoration address, it was more than necessary to hear him express remorse over the war – the first time the word has been used in a prime minister’s speech at the ceremony in 13 years – and pledge to pass on the memory of the conflict to subsequent generations. It is good to see some Japanese political figures, academics and others advocating genuine reflection on war crimes for the long-term interests and peace of Japan and the region.

At the same time, Ishiba’s remarks coincided with a visit to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, which commemorates war dead including convicted war criminals, by Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi. Such visits glorify Japanese militarism. The minister’s action cannot be tolerated and should be condemned.

Japan should take China’s concerns seriously if it is sincere in improving bilateral relations.