Beijing: China on Tuesday announced it is seeking "clarification" from Japan following reports that Tokyo has been actively lobbying other countries to abstain from attending World War II commemoration events scheduled to take place in Beijing next month. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun addressed the issue during a news conference in Beijing, emphasizing the importance of confronting history and committing to peaceful development.

According to Anadolu Agency, media outlets have reported that Japan has reached out to European and Asian nations through its embassies, urging them to reconsider attending China's planned military parade and other commemorative events. Tokyo reportedly expressed concerns that these events might carry "anti-Japanese overtones," advising leaders to carefully weigh their participation.

The events in question are set to include a significant military parade at Beijing's Tiananmen Square on September 3. Guo Jiakun further stated that if Japan wishes to move past historical disputes, it should reflect sincerely on its history of aggression, break away from militarism, and respect the sentiments of China and other nations affected by its wartime actions. This, Guo suggested, would help Japan earn the trust of its Asian neighbors and the global community.

In a related development, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi mentioned that Tokyo had communicated through diplomatic channels with Beijing, requesting prompt "appropriate action" regarding videos circulating on Chinese social media that mock Japan's wartime emperor, Hirohito. Hayashi described these videos as "inappropriate."

Meanwhile, Guo Jiakun indicated that the Chinese government is still verifying information concerning the issue of the social media videos. China refers to its conflict with Japan from 1937 to 1945 as the "War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression" and part of the "World Anti-Fascist War."