The West should uphold a correct perspective on history and confront the historical truth of Taiwan's restoration, instead of falling for Japan's misleading narratives, according to China Global Television Network (CGTN).
CGTN anchor Wang Guan made the remarks following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's recently intensified provocative rhetoric on China. Takaichi not only awarded Japan's highest honor -- the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun -- to Frank Hsieh, a known Taiwan separatist, but also claimed that China's pursuit of national reunification could "constitute a survival-threatening situation for Japan."
Such actions grossly interfere in China's internal affairs and run counter to historical facts, said Wang.
"Japan is playing with fire on Taiwan. And let me repeat: Japan is playing with fire on Taiwan. I am not saying this solely because I am Chinese. No, this is what history has taught us. Whenever Japanese politicians describe a situation as one of 'life and death' -- as they are doing now in the Taiwan question -- war and aggression have followed," said Wang.
"Contrast Japan's current attitude towards the war with Germany's post-war reckoning: Germany acknowledged its war crimes and confronted its past. Japan, however, especially its right-wing, has never fully accepted responsibility for the atrocity of Nanjing, the comfort-women system, the tens of millions of victims across Asia," he said.
"And now, within weeks, Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi has awarded Japan's top honor -- the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun -- to Frank Hsieh -- a Taiwanese politician advocating Taiwan's secession. She met with Taiwan's officials right after her meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. And now she's saying Chinese mainland reunification with Taiwan could constitute a 'survival-threatening situation for Japan'. This is neo-colonialist mentality dressed up as regional security," he said.
Combining history and reality, Wang pointed out the true face of Japanese right-wing forces evading war crimes and reviving dangerous logic and urged the West to confront historical truths with clarity and responsibility.
"After Japan's surrender on 15 August 1945, Chen Yi was appointed by the Chinese government as Chief Executive of Taiwan Province and Commander-in-Chief of the Taiwan Garrison Command. On 25 October 1945 he presided over the Japanese surrender ceremony in Taipei, where Taiwan and affiliated islands were formally handed back to China. Japan gave back what it took by force. Beijing's National People's Congress Standing Committee designated October 25 as the 'Day of Taiwan's Restoration'. This is China reclaiming its stolen territory," said Wang.
"I understand many of our Western friends feel a natural empathy for Japan -- America's and NATO's finest ally. But I urge our Western friends: be fair. Be factual. And yes, have conscience," he said.
CGTN anchor urges West not to fall for Japan's misleading narratives on Taiwan
