The Ministry of Defense responds to Japan's combat forces landing in the Philippines: Relevant countries should not forget the painful lessons of history

The Ministry of National Defense held a routine press conference. Major General Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, answered reporters’ questions. A reporter asked: Japan’s Self-Defense Forces participated in this year’s U.S.-Philippines “Shoulder-to-Shoulder” joint military exercises. This marks the first time since the end of World War II that Japan’s combat forces have landed in the Philippines. In the Philippines, groups of World War II victims and civil organizations have voiced opposition and protests one after another. What is your comment on this? Zhang Xiaogang said that, to this day, the perpetrators have not sincerely repented. When will the historical wounds be healed? Relevant countries should not forget the painful lessons of history; they should listen more to public sentiment, stop creating division and confrontation, jointly curb Japan’s new-type militarism, and uphold peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. (Ministry of National Defense)