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Draw Lessons from History to Avoid Tragedy of War: CAFIU Holds a Discussion on 70th Anniversary of the End of World War II


u Dan On the afternoon of June 23, CAFIU, the International Department of CPC Central Committee (IDCPC) and Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) jointly held a discussion to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. CAFIU’s Deputy Secretary-General Zheng Yao chaired the discussion. Also present at the discussion were Chinese and overseas experts, Mme. Su Ping from the Western Europe Bureau of IDCPC, Mr. Christoph Pohlmann from FES Beijing Office and staff of CAFIU. Mr. Janusz Reiter, former Polish Ambassador to Germany, Mr. Hanns W. Maull, Senior Researcher at Science and Politics Fund of Germany and Professor Corine Defrance from the National Science Research Center of France gave presentations on the European reconciliation policy in the post-war era from an European point of view, and commented in particular the Germany-France and Germany-Poland reconciliation as well as mechanisms promoting bilateral reconciliation in Europe. Mr. Liu Jiangyong, Deputy Director of the Institute of Modern International Relations of Tsinghua University, Mr. Wang Zhongyi, Editor-in-Chief of People’s China, Mr. Yu Jin, Executive Vice-President of China Association for Preservation of Ethnic Minorities’ Relics and Mr. Chen Xiangyang, Deputy Director of the Institute of World Politics of China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations explained the post-war reconciliation process in Asia from an Asian perspective, analyzed the difference and similarity between the Asian and European reconciliation processes, and commented on China-Japan relations. According to European experts, one important reason that EU won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2012 is that it has considerably contributed to Germany-France reconciliation and European solidarity in the post-war era. The integration of Europe builds a rational reconciliation mechanism at the Union’s level, strengthens the internal communication and coordination of Europe, properly handles the clashes and conflicts of interest, and melts the possibility of an internal war in Europe. According to the European experience, reconciliation is a difficult process of continuous communication, dialogues and mutual understanding, whose foundation is a strong will of reconciliation, the sense of responsibility for history as well as the sense of mission for the future. Only in this way can the confronting sides build trust in each other, move towards reconciliation and finally achieve peaceful co-existence. The process of reconciliation needs bilateral mechanisms, multilateral mechanisms as well as the joint efforts of all parties involved. The exchanges among the young people and historians, textbooks with a correct view of history, civil society as well as religious organizations all play an integral and positive role in the process of European reconciliation. As a successful case in European reconciliation, Germany-France reconciliation provides a reference for the reconciliation of other countries, but should not be simply borrowed or copied like textbooks. Mr. Reiter said that the past 25 years turned out to be the most prosperous and stable period in Poland’s history, thanks to its reconciliation with the western neighbors, especially Germany, as well as its smooth integration into Europe and EU membership. According to Chinese experts, the reconciliation processes of Asia and Europe have similarities as well as differences. In the post-war era, the Japanese fascists haven’t been thoroughly punished as their counterparts in Europe, and Japan did not take a serious introspection of the crimes of war. In the 1960s and 1970s, the Japanese government admitted that it colonized the Korean peninsula and reflected on its war of aggression against China. Then the Republic of Korea and China started to establish their diplomatic ties with Japan. Later on, China-Japan state relations as well as people-o-people relations witnessed rapid development in both width and depth, with a favorable atmosphere for reconciliation, just like the situation in post-war Europe. Unfortunately, this process was reverted at the end of the Cold War. With the popularity of neo-conservatism in Japan, the Japanese statesmen retreated in their view of history. They visited the Yasukuni shrine, disregarded the Potsdam Proclamation, refused to accept the definition of the war of aggression in the Proclamation, and discarded the historical facts such as comfort women. Last year, the Japanese government also amended the rules of examination and approval for textbooks, stipulated that all issues related to history and territory should adopt the position of the government, and removed the use of words such as “massacre”. So “Nanjing Massacre” is weakened as “Nanjing issue”. The behavior of the Japanese government seriously hurt the feelings of the Asian people, hindered regional reconciliation process, and might pose the most serious threat to peaceful development in Asia. The Chinese experts said that it was a great pity to see the retreat of the Asian reconciliation process at the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. The Chinese culture is never short of tolerance and benevolence. We always distinguish the Japanese people from war criminals and right-wing politicians, regarding the former as victims of war as well. To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II is not to celebrate the victory of China or the defeat of Japan, but to celebrate the victory over fascism and Japanese militarism together with all people across the world including the Japanese people, and to warn the next generation off the tragedy of war. At present, although China-Japan relations hit a low point, the will and efforts for both peoples to seek reconciliation and everlasting peace never cease. China and Japan are close neighbors with over two thousand years of friendship. Some insightful Japanese statesmen and honest scholars also have a just and objective view of history. In 1995, the then-Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama made a speech with great political courage and a strong sense of historical responsibility, reflecting on Japan’s colonization and crimes of aggression and expressing his heart-felt sorrow. His courage and sense of responsibility are well respected by people from China, the Republic of Korea and other countries. “The lesson of the past may serve as a guide for the future.” It is hoped that the Japanese government will tell the truth of history to its people, especially the younger generation. Moreover, the ideal situation is like what late Premier Zhou said, “The Chinese people never talk about the painful history, but the Japanese people never forget that.” The Chinese people cherish nice feelings towards the Japanese people, and are willing to enhance exchanges with them to improve understanding and friendship. We believe that Japan will not always be under the influence of right-wing forces, and China and Japan, and countries in Asia will achieve reconciliation with each other finally, as well as regional cooperation, win-win progress and common development. Both Chinese and European experts think that this Discussion is of positive significance to commemorate the end of World War II and avoid the tragedy of war.