China Voice: Intransigence on history, poison for future

Intransigence on history costs the future of not only Japan, but also the region and even the world.

A nation does not deeply reflect on its past, particularly for periods stained with atrocities and blood, would hardly win respect from others.

A nation's image should be built on not only its self perception, but also the judgement made by others. Why have so many countries blamed Japan for its reflection on the history in World War II? Why are some economies even willing to sacrifice business opportunities before getting a sincere apology from Japan?

Repetitious visits of senior Japanese politicians to the Yasukuni Shrine, which honors war criminals among others, constantly soured relations between Japan and its Asian neighbors, including China.

Attempts of extremist political forces in Japan to revise its pacifist constitution further alerted neighboring countries, especially those being invaded by Japan in the world war which ended 70 years ago.

China plans to commemorate in September its victory in the Chinese people's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, one vital part of the world's anti-Fascist war.

While using such commemorations for remembering 35 million Chinese people who were killed or wounded by Japanese invaders, the Chinese sympathize with Japanese people who also suffered greatly from militaristic expansion and its grave consequences.

Huge casualties and economic loss usually make people more cherish peace.

The more the perpetrator is conscious of his or her guilt, the more relieved the victim can feel about the suffering.

Defusing antagonistic sentiment from inside would be much more effective than just sending peacekeepers to the rest of the world.

China has no intention of toppling the existing international order, which has been established since the end of WWII, or creating a brand new one.

China, however, advocates to update the current order. The world has no longer been monopolized or manipulated by one or two superpowers. Greater space of existence and development requires respect from each other and sincerity in maintaining peace.

In creating a community of common destiny, China builds on closer ties with the Republic of Korea (ROK) and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries, many of which were also invaded by Japan in WWII.

As China and the ROK completed their free trade agreement talks as well as China and the ASEAN agreed to upgrade their free trade agreement, Japan, a major world economy, lags behind in free trade arrangements in East Asia.

Intransigence might make Japan lose more chance 70 years after it lost the war.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said his government would invite leaders from all relevant countries and international organizations to China for the September commemorations.

With the door always open, China welcomes the participation of "anyone who is sincere about coming." Endi