China urges Japan to deeply reflect on its historical crimes and draw lessons from history, said Lin Jian, spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at a regular briefing in Beijing on Wednesday.
Lin said China attaches great importance to Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's statement that it is necessary to remember the painful memories and historical lessons and not repeat war mistakes.
"In November 2024, when Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba met with President Xi Jinping in Lima, Peru, he stated that Japan adheres to the spirit of 'facing history squarely and looking to the future', and keeps pursuing a path of peaceful development. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba further stated this time that Japan should reflect on its history, remember the lessons of history, and not repeat war mistakes. We attach great importance to this," Lin said.
"Understanding and treating history with a correct attitude and demonstrating reflection and apology for the war of aggression through practical actions are important prerequisites for Japan's post-war return to the international community. These are related to the political foundation of China-Japan relations, Japan's relations with neighboring countries, and Japan's international image. 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. Japan once again faces the questions of history and morality. The evident past serves as a warning to future generations. The four political documents between China and Japan have established the important political principle of 'learning from history and looking to the future', and Japan has made serious political commitments," said the spokesman.
"We hope that the Japanese side will deeply reflect on its historical crimes, earnestly draw lessons from history, adopt a responsible attitude towards history, the people and the future, make a clear break with all acts that glorify and cover up its history of aggression, adhere to the path to peaceful development, and take concrete actions to win the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community," he said.
China urges Japan to deeply reflect on past war crimes: spokesman
China urges Japan to deeply reflect on past war crimes: spokesman
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
