China assumed the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in February 2015. On February 23 the UNSC held an open debate, proposed by China, on maintaining international peace and security. China's foreign minister Wang Yi pointed out that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the world anti-fascist war and the founding of the United Nations, which are both worth commemorating.

It is reported that the debate was actively supported by UN members, with representatives from over 80 countries asking for the floor. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said that the open debate was both timely and important. Representatives of many countries also expressed positive views during the debate. However, the Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun said that China is carrying out an international campaign to restrict Japan's development by focusing on this historical issue.

Japan's attitude towards these two 70th anniversaries is contradictory. On the one hand, Japan wants to dilute the impact of the 70th anniversary of the world anti-fascist war, and thereby avoid talking about war history and war crimes. Japan is sensitive to the commemorative activities planned by China, claiming that all such meetings and activities have political motives. On the other hand, Japan is enthusiastic about the 70th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations and has claimed that it is a good opportunity to "look to the future". Japan is seeking to be a nonpermanent member of the UN Security Council and subsequently to become a permanent member.

From Japan's point of view, the anniversary of the world anti-fascist war is about history, and the anniversary of the founding of the United Nations is about the present. By separating the two events, Japan can evade its responsibilities, and at the same time gain access to privileges it covets.

In fact, the two anniversaries are inseparable. They both represent history and the present.

History must not be forgotten. Although 70 years have past, the world is not likely to forget the suffering brought by this war. The anti-fascist forces, including China, paid a tremendous price for victory. China deserves respect from Japan and from other countries. By casually accusing China of "political motives", Japan reveals its intention to rewrite its history.

The present is based on history. Contemporary international relationships are the product of history. The United Nations was founded on retrospection and thoughts on the future. The United Nations Charter reflects a profound reflection on the World War. How can any country which denies its part in that war play a bigger role in the United Nations?

The future starts from today. Facing multiple challenges, all countries should join hands in promoting world peace. 'Facing the future' is not a platitude or an excuse for any country to pursue its own aims. China accords the same high significance to both anniversaries. At this critical juncture in history, commemorative events should inject more positive energy into human development. 

The article is edited and translated from《两个“七十周年”不可分割》, source: People's Daily Overseas Edition, author:Su Xiaohui.