A new Chinese history book detailing the Tokyo War Crimes Tribunal was released in Shanghai on Tuesday. Called “The Tokyo Trial: For World Peace,” the book's launch is part of a series of events in Shanghai marking the 80th anniversary of the outbreak of the Second Sino-Japanese War. 

Scholars from top academic institutions in China attended the launch ceremony of a new book on the events known collectively as the Tokyo Trial, in which Japanese war criminals were tried by the International Military Tribunal for the Far East between 1946 and 1948.

Cheng Zhaoqi, the author of the book, said, “The Tokyo Trial was a complicated process. I hope the book can provide readers with a comprehensive picture and full understanding of it. It represents a powerful response to the doubt and denial of the Tokyo Trial in Japan with solid evidence."

The Tokyo Trial deeply influenced the establishment of the postwar world order, and had a significant impact on international law.

Cheng Tianquan, director of the Academic Committee of the Tokyo Trial Research Center at Shanghai Jiaotong University, said the book was of great significance both academically and practically. It highlights Chinese people’s wish to keep peace and exposes the behavior of those who attempt to deny or whitewash history, according to Cheng.

Ties between Japan and its neighbors have been particularly strained of late, at least in part because of Japan's efforts to play down its history of militarism in the region.

Xiang Longwan, honorary director of the Academic Committee of the Tokyo Trial Research Center at Shanghai Jiaotong University, said, “The Tokyo Trial is an unavoidable historical event. However, in recent years, many Japanese scholars have doubted or denied its occurrence. This book is based on very powerful historical materials, with views and voices from Chinese scholars. In the current political climate, it is a very relevant and meaningful book."