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Why we must never forget this day

(People's Daily Online)    08:15, August 19, 2013
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On August 15, 1945, Japan declared its unconditional surrender, bringing to an end its colonial wars of militarist aggression.

Germany shared Japan's guilt as the cause of World War II, and shared its status as a vanquished country. But after the war, Germany adopted a sincere, clear and thorough attitude to its historical responsibilities - during a visit to Poland former German chancellor Willy Brandt earned admiration from international public opinion when he went down on both knees before the memorial to the Warsaw Ghetto. In contrast, this August 15 large numbers of Japanese politicians went to worship at the Shrine to the worst of Japanese militarists and war criminals, people like Toujou Hideki.

The people of China treasure August 15 as a day of victory. This was the day when a nation that had lived under a century of enslavement to foreign powers finally rid itself of its oppressors. Since then, China has followed the path of unity, peace, and development. Especially since the launch of reform and opening up, national strength has been restored, shame has been put aside, and courage has returned. We must guard against any threat to domestic or regional security posed by the renaissance of Japan’s deviant right-wing extremists. We must have confidence in our moral strength to stand up to the challenges that such people pose, and the provocations they offer.

When we look back, it is for the purpose of better moving forward. China grows by remembering history; the world develops by remembering history. In contrast those Japanese politicians who cling to their country's historical errors will only prevent the Japanese from finding a path to a better future.

Edited and translated by Zhang Qian, People's Daily Online

Read the Chinese version:为什么这一天无法忘记;source: People's Daily Overseas Edition; author: Hua Yiwen

(Editor:ZhangQian、Yao Chun)

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