China urges Japan to fulfill its duties as a defeated nation in World War Two

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Tuesday that Japan's letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is full of erroneous views and hypocritical lies, urging Japan to reflect on its history, correct its errors, fulfill its duties as a defeated nation in World War Two, and demonstrate its commitments to China and the international community through tangible actions.

Lin made the remarks when asked to comment on a November 24 letter sent by Japan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, which argued that China had "mischaracterized Japan's security policy" and accused China of imposing "coercive measures" against other countries' positions.

Japan's assertions were "entirely groundless," Lin said, adding that Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's erroneous comments on China's Taiwan region, which linked a so-called survival-threatening situation to a Taiwan contingency, openly challenge the victorious outcomes of World War Two and the post-war international order, and seriously violate the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

China's letter to the UN Secretary-General, outlining the country's firm stance, was fully justified and necessary, he stressed.

Lin noted that the Japanese side mentioned in the letter its so-called consistent position on the Taiwan question. "But as to what exactly this 'consistent position' is, the Japanese side has continued to evade the question and has yet to give China a direct answer. We ask the Japanese side once again: Can the Japanese government provide the international community with a complete and accurate explanation of its 'consistent position' on the Taiwan question as laid down in the four political documents between the two countries?"

"Taiwan is China's territory. How to resolve the Taiwan question is a matter for the Chinese ourselves and brooks no external interference," Lin said. "Yet Takaichi implied the use of force against China. Is this what Japan means by 'exclusively defense-oriented?'"

Lin also cited Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, which requires all member states to refrain from threatening or using force.

"As a sitting leader of a defeated country in World War II, Takaichi threatened a victorious country with the use of force in case of a 'survival-threatening situation.' How could the Japanese side have the audacity to claim that it 'has always respected and adhered to international law, including the UN Charter?" he asked.

The spokesperson stated that Japan's claims regarding other countries' military growth and alleged "coercion" were simply an effort to deflect blame.

He pointed out that Japan has steadily expanded its military capabilities in recent years, increasing defense spending for 13 consecutive years, loosening restrictions on arms exports, permitting the exercise of collective self-defense, developing "counterstrike capabilities," and even trying to change its "three non-nuclear principles.”

"These moves hollow out the obligations placed on Japan by the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation and run counter to Japan's own constitutional commitments," Lin said. "If any party is expanding military power or attempting unilateral changes to the status quo, it is Japan."

Lin stressed that for these reasons, China's Permanent Mission to the UN has once again written to the UN Secretary-General to reaffirm China's firm stance.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War," Lin stated. "China firmly opposes Japan's attempts to reverse the course of history, challenge the post-war international order, and glorify militarist traditions."