China Urges Japan to Confront Wartime History & Heed Peace Voices

Beijing has repeatedly urged Tokyo to confront its historical aggression, particularly as commemorations related to World War II continue. The latest calls for reflection come as China expresses concern over Japan’s evolving security policies and what it perceives as a lack of remorse for its wartime actions.

On August 28, 2025, Assistant Foreign Minister Hong Lei stated that Japan “faces the questions posed by history and the times” as China prepared to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War on September 3, 2025. Hong called on Japan to face up to history, deeply reflect on its crime of aggression and responsibilities, break away from militarism, and follow the path of peaceful development and good-neighborliness.

This isn’t an isolated instance. Further statements, issued on December 26, 2025, reiterated the demand for Japan to do soul-searching on its history of aggression and show repentance for militaristic crimes and respect for the victims. These appeals underscore a consistent Chinese position on the need for Japan to acknowledge its past.

The Chinese government’s concerns extend beyond historical acknowledgment. According to a commentary published by the PLA Daily on December 22, 2025, Beijing accuses Japanese right-wing forces of actively whitewashing past atrocities as the world commemorates the end of World War II. The PLA Daily specifically criticized the manipulation of memorial halls, alleging they are being used to tamper with history and a fig leaf for covering up crimes.

The commentary in the PLA Daily further alleges that Japan is attempting to reframe its wartime history, shifting from acknowledging aggression to portraying itself as a victim, citing examples such as focusing on American air raids on Osaka. This narrative, according to the report, obscures the broader context of Japan’s wartime actions.

Assistant Foreign Minister Hong Lei emphasized that safeguarding historical truth and upholding the correct view of history is a matter of human conscience, international justice and global peace. He warned that Japan’s attempts to deny or distort history pose as a challenge to the postwar international order, a challenge to human conscience, and a challenge to all peace-loving people.

Beyond historical grievances, China has also voiced concerns about Japan’s current security posture. Hong Lei specifically cited Japan’s drastic readjustment of its security policy, increase of defense spending year after year, relaxed restrictions on arms export, and the pursuit of military breakthroughs as raising serious doubts about Tokyo’s commitment to a ‘purely defensive defense’ strategy and peaceful development.

These concerns are particularly acute given recent diplomatic tensions. Relations between Beijing and Tokyo reportedly plunged to a new low following remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi last month regarding Taiwan, though the specific content of those remarks is not detailed in the available information.

China’s repeated calls for Japan to face up to history are not merely rhetorical. They reflect a long-standing pattern of Beijing urging Tokyo to acknowledge its wartime actions as a prerequisite for building trust and stability in the region. The Chinese government closely monitors domestic debates within Japan concerning its historical narrative, viewing unresolved historical disputes as a significant impediment to improved diplomatic relations.

The emphasis on historical accountability also appears linked to China’s broader geopolitical strategy. By consistently highlighting Japan’s past aggression, Beijing aims to reinforce its own narrative of national rejuvenation and its role as a defender of international justice. This messaging resonates domestically and is intended to project an image of strength and resolve on the global stage.

As of today, February 4, 2026, there has been no publicly available response from the Japanese government directly addressing the specific criticisms outlined by Chinese officials. However, the ongoing nature of these statements suggests that historical reconciliation and security concerns will remain central to the complex relationship between China and Japan.