Q: It is reported that the history textbooks for the year 2002 submitted by some Japanese publishing houses for approval by Japanese Education Ministry deliberately tone down its history of aggression. What is the reaction of the Chinese side?


A: The international community has long drawn conclusion on the history of the Second World War. The Nanjing Massacre, the drafting by force of comfort women and the establishment of the "731 force" are all serious crimes committed by Japanese militarism. These historical facts cannot be weakened or forgotten just by revising the textbooks. The essence of the "textbook question" in Japan is whether Japan can really correctly understand and approach the history of aggression in its past, genuinely draw lessons from it and avoid going back to that road. We have stated our position on this question on many occasions. The Japanese side has also said that it will be properly addressed. We hope that the Japanese side will honor its previous statements and pledges with concrete acts.