Beijing: China on Friday criticized 'some forces' in Japan for denying its militaristic past, urging Tokyo to face its wartime history. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized that despite 80 years since Japan's surrender in World War II, certain elements in Japan continue to deny aggression and distort historical facts, as per a ministry statement.

According to Anadolu Agency, Wang Yi's remarks came as Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba vowed that Japan would never again pursue a path to war, expressing 'remorse' over World War II. However, tensions rose as Ishiba sent an offering to the controversial Yasukuni shrine on the World War II anniversary, while Agricultural Minister Shinjiro Koizumi visited the shrine, which has been a point of contention between Japan and its neighbors, especially South Korea and China.

Wang Yi recalled that 80 years ago, Japan was defeated and declared unconditional surrender. The war initiated by Japanese militarists caused immense suffering to people in China and other Asian countries, while also deeply impacting the Japanese population. He highlighted international documents such as the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Declaration, which defined Japan's war responsibilities and demanded the return of territories taken from China, including Taiwan.

Wang underscored the significance of these events as part of the World Anti-Fascist War victory and the post-war international order. He criticized elements in Japan that, according to him, distort history, calling their actions 'despicable and self-humiliating' and a challenge to the UN Charter and international norms.

Wang concluded by stating that Japan can earn respect only by confronting its history, learn from it to move forward, and remember the past to avoid future mistakes. He urged Japan to make the appropriate choice in acknowledging its historical actions.