China backs international study of Japanese aggression in WW-2

On the warpath with Japan over the disputed islands, China today supported South Korea's push for a joint international study on Japanese "aggression" during the second world war to counter Tokyo's move to rewrite textbooks.
South Korea proposed a joint study with China and Southeast Asian nations on Japan's invasion during the second world war (WW-2) amid reports that the Japanese government has ordered rewriting of textbooks, specially those asserting Tokyo's rights over the disputed islands with its neighbours.
From the Chinese side, we support Republic of Korea's decision on carrying out a joint study on the history of Japan's aggression. We will stay in communication with all the victimised countries in Asia including Korea to uphold historical justice, safeguard the outcome of the international world order after the Second World War," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a media briefing.

"We are willing to keep in touch with all victim countries in Asia, to safeguard historical justice and the conscience of mankind, as well as protect the post-war international order," she said.
China and the Republic of Korea (South Korea) advocate that Japan has to face up to and reflect on its history, admit and correct its mistakes to gain trust from neighbours and the international community, Hua said.
Sino-Japanese relations have suffered a string of setbacks since last month, following Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's visit to the Yasukuni Shrine, where alleged Japanese WW-2 criminals are honoured.

The new chief of Japanese public broadcaster NHK on Monday retracted a comment about "comfort women" he had made. Katsuto Momii had said the system of "comfort women" could be found in any country and was a reality during the war.

Japan is also attempting to revise its textbooks on the Diaoyu or Senkaku Islands.
"China and the ROK strongly oppose Japan's wrong moves," Hua said.
According to Japanese media reports, Abe today called for summit meetings with Chinese and South Korean leaders to address the problems that have increased tension in Asia, while also reiterating his intention to revise Japan's pacifist constitution.
Abe also said leaders of Japan, China and South Korea "should meet and frankly discuss (issues) without setting any preconditions."
"Japan is shouting empty slogans for dialogue while refusing to recognise its mistakes and blemishing China," Hua said.

Japan's development path not only concerns its own future, but also peace, stability and development in Asia, Hua said, urging Japan to reflect on history and take a "peaceful development path".