China urges Japan to reflect on war crimes, make clean break with militarism

China

China urges Japan to reflect on war crimes, make clean break with militarism

2026-08-17 16:38 Last Updated At：20:47

China once again urges Japan to reflect on its war crimes and make a complete break with militarism, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Monday.

Lin stated at a regular news briefing when asked to comment on Takaichi's address at the National Memorial Service for the War Dead on Aug 15.

"In her speech, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi shunned reflection on historical lessons and blurred Japan's responsibility for its acts of aggression, taking a major backward step on historical issues. This once again laid bare the sinister attempt of the Takaichi administration to cover up, distort and reverse the verdict on Japan's history of aggression. It has drawn strong condemnation and widespread opposition from all sides. On the day marking Japan's [unconditional] surrender in World War II, Sanae Takaichi made a monetary offering to the 'shrine honoring war criminals', and high-ranking officials, including the Japanese Minister of Defense, also went to pay homage in person, which further heightened the vigilance of Asian neighbors and the international community over Japan's future trajectory," Lin said.

"People with insights in Japan have pointed out that a nation that fails to reflect on its past crimes cannot gain trust. The Defense Minister's action is tantamount to supporting a war of aggression. This year marks the 81st 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 80th anniversary of the opening of the Tokyo Trials. Only by facing history squarely and learning from it can we avoid repeating past mistakes and going astray again," Lin said.

"We once again urge those in power in Japan to listen carefully to the voices of justice from Japan and the international community, deeply deplore and atone for its war crimes, make a complete break with militarism, and not to go further down the wrong path," Lin added.

US unveils massive new sanctions to cripple Iran's economy

The United States on Monday announced massive new economic sanctions against Iran, expanding restrictions to five additional sectors in an effort to increase pressure on and further isolate the country.

According to a notice published by the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control, the sanctions are now extended to Iran's aviation, digital assets, gold, shipping, and technology sectors.

It also said that the United States would suspend multiple general licenses related to Iran, covering certain educational activities and services, personal remittances, and sports and academic exchanges.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told a press conference Monday that "We are launching an economic onslaught against Iran's financial connections around the globe," adding "Our objective is to sever every economic lifeline" that sustains the country.

Bessent further warned that Washington is no longer acceptable to operating in the "gray spaces" of this conflict and threatened to move unilaterally through Treasury authorities if some countries do not cut financial ties with Iran.

He also cautioned that any entity found to be involved in money laundering on behalf of Iran would be cut off from the U.S. dollar system.

The latest measures represent a significant escalation in U.S. pressure on Tehran, as President Donald Trump's administration continues to pursue what it describes as a policy of maximum economic pressure.

On June 18, Iran and the United States signed the peace memorandum of understanding (MoU) on ending the war in the region on all fronts, including Lebanon. Under the MoU, the two countries were scheduled to hold negotiations within a 60-day period, ending on Aug. 17, to reach a final agreement. However, the fate of the talks has been hanging in the balance amid the continued escalations between the two countries since the signing of the document.