Chinese FM urges Japan to reflect on, correct mistakes as soon as possible

DUSHANBE -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has urged Japan to reflect on and correct its mistakes as soon as possible, rather than stubbornly clinging to the wrong path.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks in a media interview after concluding his visit to Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, where he held strategic dialogues respectively with their foreign ministers from Nov 19 to 22.

If Japan persists in its own way and keeps making the same mistakes, all countries and people who advocate justice have the right to re-examine Japan's historical crimes and have the responsibility to resolutely prevent the resurgence of Japanese militarism, Wang said.

Noting that firm mutual support on core interests is an inherent part of the China-Central Asia community with a shared future, Wang said China is willing to be a steadfast supporter and strong defender of peace, stability and development in Central Asia. China opposes any interference in the internal affairs of Central Asian countries and will never allow anyone or any force to create division or turmoil, he emphasized.

Wang said he briefed the foreign ministers of the three countries on China's principled position regarding the Taiwan question and exposed the wrongful words and actions of Japan's current leader, which have openly infringed upon China's core interests and challenged the post-World War II international order.

He said that Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan have openly emphasized that there is only one China in the world and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. They oppose any form of "Taiwan independence" and firmly support all efforts by the Chinese government to achieve national reunification.

Their collective voice is timely, as it not only supports China's legitimate position on the Taiwan question but also upholds the fundamental norms of international relations, once again clearly demonstrating that the one-China principle is an unshakable consensus of the international community, said Wang.

Noting this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, Wang said that the return of Taiwan, stolen by Japan at the time, to China was explicitly stipulated in a series of international documents such as the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation, and the Japanese Instrument of Surrender.

This is an undeniable achievement of the victory of World War II and an international obligation that Japan, as a defeated country, must continue to observe, Wang added.

In this crucial year, what Japan should do most is to deeply reflect on its history of invading and colonizing Taiwan, deeply reflect on the war crimes committed by militarism, abide by the rules and act with restraint and prudence on Taiwan and historical issues, he noted.

Wang said that it is shocking for a sitting Japanese leader to openly send a wrong signal of attempting to intervene militarily in the Taiwan question — saying what should not be said and crossing a red line that must not be touched.

China must resolutely hit back — not only to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity, but also to defend the hard-won post-war achievements secured with blood and sacrifice, and to uphold international justice and human conscience, he said.

The Chinese people love peace and are friendly towards their neighbors. However, on major issues concerning national sovereignty and territorial integrity, they will never make any compromise or concession, said the Chinese foreign minister.

The Japanese government has made solemn commitments on the Taiwan question in the four political documents between China and Japan, which have the effect of international law and leave no room for ambiguity or misinterpretation, he said, stressing that no matter which party or person is in power in Japan, these commitments must be adhered to.

A person cannot establish himself in society without integrity, and a nation cannot stand among nations without credibility, he said.