17th August 2026 – (Beijing) Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has drawn strong criticism from China after her recent speech was perceived as side-stepping Japan’s accountability for its wartime actions. According to Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian, Takaichi’s remarks at the National Memorial Service for the War Dead failed to acknowledge historical lessons and in effect eroded Japan’s responsibility for its past acts of aggression, representing a notable step backwards in addressing historical issues.
The comments from Beijing came after Takaichi made a monetary offering to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine on the anniversary of Japan’s unconditional surrender in the Second World War, a move mirrored by visits from several cabinet members, including Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi. Lin Jian noted that such actions have heightened regional and international unease regarding Japan’s intentions. He highlighted that voices within Japan have also criticised the lack of remorse, stressing that trust cannot be earned by glossing over a difficult historical legacy and that acts by senior officials can be construed as supporting Japan’s past wartime aggression.
This year marks the eighty-first anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the eightieth anniversary of the Tokyo Trials. Lin Jian emphasised that only by earnestly confronting and learning from its history can a nation avoid repeating grave errors.
The Chinese spokesperson once again urged those who lead the Japanese government to heed the sentiments of their citizens and the wider international community, to reflect sincerely on wartime crimes, make a decisive break from past militarism, and avoid continuing down a path that could reignite historical wounds.