BEIJING, Aug. 28 -- "Japan should honestly face up to and reflect on its history of aggression, make a clean break with militarism and earnestly respect the feelings of peoples of victimized countries including China," said Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, at a regular press conference on Thursday.
According to Japanese media reports, the Japanese government has called on countries in the Europe and Asia through diplomatic channels to prudently consider whether to attend the celebrations and military parade scheduled on September 3 in Beijing to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, so as to avoid the spread of the so-called pro-China historical view.
When being asked to share comment on this, the spokesperson first pointed out that China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs had made response and lodged serious representations with the Japanese side, demanding clarification.
He then emphasized that any words or deeds that deny the history of aggression will heighten vigilance and draw severe condemnation from peace-loving peoples worldwide, including the Chinese.
"Japan should honestly face up to and reflect on its history of aggression, make a clean break with militarism and earnestly respect the feelings of peoples of victimized countries including China," urged the spokesperson, adding that "only by doing so can Japan earn trust from its Asian neighbors and the international community."