Tensions between China and Japan are rising again. Beijing strongly reacted to a letter that Japan sent to the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, accusing Tokyo of hypocrisy, historical revisionism, and violating the post-war international order.

The spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lin Jian, stated that the Japanese document is full of incorrect views and false claims. According to him, Japan is avoiding its responsibility as a defeated country in World War II, and instead of self-reflection, it is accusing other countries, including China, of alleged coercion.

The sharp criticism was particularly directed at statements made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who, according to Beijing, dangerously questioned the results of World War II and the post-war international order. Lin said that her comments on Taiwan were an open challenge to the victorious powers and were in violation of the fundamental principles of the UN Charter.

China also emphasized that the issue of Taiwan is exclusively its internal affair and that it does not allow any external interference. Lin described any allusions to the possible use of force as unacceptable and recalled Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, which prohibits the threat or use of force.

Beijing also accused Tokyo of attempting to divert attention from its own militarization. According to the Chinese side, Japan has been increasing its military spending for thirteen consecutive years, easing restrictions on arms exports, expanding the scope of collective self-defense, and even questioning its three non-nuclear principles.

According to China, these actions contradict the commitments outlined in the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation, and are in direct conflict with Japan's post-war constitution. Beijing argues that if anyone is changing the status quo by force, it is Japan.

Chinese diplomacy emphasized that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory over Japanese aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Therefore, China rejects any attempts to rewrite history, glorify militarism, and disrupt the post-war international order.

CMG