China tells Japan to ‘reflect on its history of aggression’ after Tokyo signs Philippine defence pact
- Foreign ministry says Tokyo should ‘be cautious in its words and deeds in the field of military security’
China has called on Japan to think about its history after Tokyo signed a defence pact with the Philippines.
“Japan should seriously reflect on its history of aggression and be cautious in its words and deeds in the field of military security,” Lin Jian, a spokesman for the Chinese foreign ministry said.
Japan occupied the Philippines, which at the time was under the rule of the United States, during the Second World War, which resulted in more than a million deaths. It had already occupied much of China, committing several massacres, including in Nanjing in 1937.
Lin also said: “The Asia-Pacific region does not need military groups, let alone small circles that provoke camp confrontation and instigate a new cold war.
“Any actions that undermine regional peace and stability and undermine regional unity and cooperation will arouse the vigilance and common opposition of the people of the region.”
