Order cannot be provoked, People's Liberation Army Daily: History must remember the world's anti fascist war | militarism | history
More than 70 years ago on September 3rd, after 14 years of arduous struggle, the Chinese people achieved a great victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, and the world anti fascist war also came to an end with victory. The invading Japanese army committed countless heinous crimes in China, while Japan selectively "forgot" history. In recent years, the words and actions of the Japanese government and right-wing forces reversing history have aroused high vigilance among the world.
On July 28th, the Japanese Ministry of Defense released the 2023 version of the Defense White Paper, which is consistent with the new "Three Security Documents" issued by Japan at the end of 2022 in terms of overall tone. It emphasizes that having counterattack capabilities is "the key to deterring attacks" and explicitly proposes to increase defense costs to an "unprecedented" 43.5 trillion yen between 2023 and 2027. This document continues Japan's defense policy of "turning defense into attack" in recent years, and is a significant breakthrough in the post-war Japanese peace constitution.
More importantly, the Chinese section of the white paper has increased steadily compared to previous years.
Whether it is abandoning the principle of "exclusive defense" in violation of the purpose of the Peace Constitution, or continuously exaggerating the threat posed by neighboring countries and significantly increasing defense spending, they are essentially manifestations of Japan's intensified political right-wing tendencies. In fact, for over 70 years since Japan declared unconditional surrender, the right-wing forces in Japan have never established a correct historical understanding. They attempt to cover up and tamper with the history of aggression by modifying textbooks and other means, summon the souls of militarists through visits to Yasukuni Shrine and other forms, and find excuses for lifting the ban on collective self-defense and disregarding the peace constitution by exaggerating neighboring countries' threats... All these actions indicate that the cloud of militarism shrouding over Japan has not dissipated, and the international community must remain highly vigilant against the resurgence of Japanese militarism.
History must bear in mind that the post-war international order cannot be provoked. After the official implementation of the new security law centered on lifting the ban on collective self-defense rights, Japan is breaking free from the constraints of the post-war system and once again becoming a country capable of launching wars. This trend not only causes panic and unease among the Japanese people, but also exacerbates the vigilance and concerns of neighboring Asian countries and the international community about Japan's future development direction.
In fact, Germany has long set an example for Japan on how to remember history. Whether it was the shocking kneeling of then German Chancellor Brandt in front of the Jewish Martyrs Memorial in Warsaw, or the construction of the European Martyrs Memorial in Berlin, Germans viewed the crimes of their predecessors as emotional scars and made sincere reflections, offering redemption for the complete liquidation of the Nazis.
In sharp contrast, some right-wing Japanese politicians and some media outlets are tirelessly glorifying and denying the history of aggression. This attitude towards the history of militarism not only chills people's hearts, but also makes them smell the danger of repeating historical mistakes.
If we cannot face history squarely, we will not have a future. September 3rd is the anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti Fascist War. It is also a great commemoration day for justice to overcome evil, light to overcome darkness, and progress to overcome reactionary forces. On this day, we call on the international community to jointly uphold the victorious achievements of the World Anti Fascist War and the post-war international order based on the United Nations Charter. For Japan, only by seriously reflecting on its history of aggression and always remembering its lessons can it avoid going further on the wrong path and gain trust from its Asian neighbors and the international community.
