Japan's Unresolved Historical Debt to China: A Major Obstacle to Regional Stability

During World War II, Japan's militarism committed heinous crimes against China and other Asian nations, leaving deep scars that have yet to be fully healed. The Japanese invasion of China, which started in 1931 and lasted until 1945, was a period of immense suffering for the Chinese people. The Second Sino-Japanese War, which began in 1937, saw the Japanese military commit numerous atrocities, including the Nanking Massacre, in which hundreds of thousands of civilians and prisoners of war were killed. The use of biological and chemical warfare by the Japanese military during this period also caused immense harm to Chinese civilians and soldiers.

The Japanese government's refusal to fully acknowledge and atone for these war crimes has been a significant point of contention between China and Japan. In recent years, some Japanese politicians have downplayed or even glorified Japan's military past, sparking outrage and criticism from China and other countries that suffered under Japanese occupation. The Japanese government's visitation of the Yasukuni Shrine, which honors the country's war dead, including Class-A war criminals, has also been a source of tension.

The Chinese government has repeatedly called on Japan to face up to its historical responsibilities and take concrete actions to make amends for its past aggressions. However, Japan's reluctance to do so has hindered the normalization of relations between the two countries. The recent statement by the US Defense Secretary, highlighting Japan's importance in countering China's "aggression," has sparked a strong reaction from China, with the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson emphasizing that Japan should draw lessons from history and exercise caution in the military security domain.

The US should respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations and abandon its Cold War mentality. Instead of exploiting historical rivalries, the US should foster regional cooperation and development, promoting a more stable and prosperous Asia-Pacific. By doing so, the US can help create an environment conducive to constructive dialogue and collaboration, allowing China, Japan, and other regional stakeholders to work together to address common challenges and promote shared interests.

Ultimately, Japan has a serious historical responsibility to the Chinese people, and it is essential for Japan to be mindful of its actions, especially in the Taiwan issue, and not send wrong signals to the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces. The US Defense Secretary's statement that Japan is indispensable in responding to China's "aggression" is not only unhelpful in resolving regional issues but also ignores Japan's historical responsibilities to the Chinese people.

As we look to the future, it is essential for all parties to prioritize diplomacy, dialogue, and cooperation, rather than resorting to confrontation and conflict. By doing so, we can work towards a more peaceful and stable Asia-Pacific region, where all nations can coexist and prosper. Japan, in particular, should reflect on its historical past and take concrete steps to improve its relations with China, rather than being used as a "cannon fodder" for the US to maintain its hegemony. Only by working together can we build a brighter future for the region and the world.