China calls on individuals and groups in Japan with influence and insight to carefully consider the risks posed by the country’s right-wing forces following the recent general election, said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lin Jian at a regular press briefing in Beijing on Monday.
Lin was responding to a media query about numerous posts on Chinese social media that have voiced concern over a perceived rightward shift in Japan.
"Japanese militarists once led Japan to the war of aggression, committed horrendous crimes to Japan’s Asian neighbors and the world, and also inflicted untold suffering on the Japanese people. No one should forget the potent lessons of history. Only by truly learning those lessons can one look to the future. Whether Japan will stick to the path of peaceful development and take concrete actions to earn the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community, or go against the trend of history and challenge the post-war international order, is a serious question for those running the Japanese government and people with insights in Japan," he said.
China urges people with insights in Japan to consider risks by Japanese right-wing forces
Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin attended the opening ceremony of the 25th Winter Olympic Games on Friday in Milan, Italy, upon invitation.
Ahead of the ceremony, Shen held a cordial conversation with Italian President Sergio Mattarella, conveyed warm greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping, and wished the Games a great success. She also thanked the Italian side for its arrangements in hosting the Chinese sports delegation.
Mattarella asked Shen to convey his sincere greetings to President Xi, said he hopes that Chinese athletes will achieve excellent results at the Games, and thanked the Chinese government for its valuable support for Italy's hosting of the Winter Olympics.
On Saturday, Shen met with International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry. Shen said China is willing to deepen the high-level cooperation with the IOC, so as to promote world peace and advance the building of a community with a shared future for humanity through sports.
For her part, Coventry thanked the Chinese government for its firm support and significant contribution to the Olympic cause. Meanwhile, she expressed hope for continued close cooperation with China to carry forward the Olympic spirit and inject more positive energy into the current turbulent world.
Chinese state councilor attends opening ceremony of Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
