China hails ex-Japanese PM Tomiichi Murayama who stated ‘deep remorse’ over WWII

China has offered its condolences on the passing of Tomiichi Murayama, a former Japanese prime minister who gave a landmark statement expressing “deep remorse” at the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II. Murayama, who led Japan from June 1994 to January 1996, died on Friday at the age of 101. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian on Friday conveyed “deep condolences” and “sincere sympathies” to Murayama’s family. “Mr Murayama was China’s old friend,” Lin said. “He will always be remembered for his contributions to the cause of China-Japan friendship.” Calling him “a politician with a strong sense of justice”, Lin cited Murayama’s historic visit to China. In 1995, Murayama became the first sitting Japanese prime minister to visit the Marco Polo Bridge – the location considered to be the starting point of Japan’s full-scale war with China in 1937. He also visited the Museum of the War of the Chinese People’s Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in Beijing, marking another first for a Japanese leader. During the trip, Murayama left a note at the museum stating, “Look straight at history and pray for Japan-China friendship and eternal peace.” The inscription is now displayed there. Later that year on August 15, the 50th anniversary of Emperor Hirohito’s announcement of Japan’s surrender, Murayama delivered a now historic speech in which he formally acknowledged the country’s wartime aggression and colonial rule. The moment became the clearest apology ever delivered by a Japanese leader. “During a certain period in the not-too-distant past, Japan, following a mistaken national policy, advanced along the road to war, only to ensnare the Japanese people in a fateful crisis and, through its colonial rule and aggression, caused tremendous damage and suffering to the people of many countries, particularly to those of Asian nations,” he said. “In the hope that no such mistake be made in the future, I regard, in a spirit of humility, these irrefutable facts of history and express here once again my feelings of deep remorse and state my heartfelt apology,” Murayama continued. “Allow me also to express my feelings of profound mourning for all victims, both at home and abroad, of that history.” This year, as China celebrates the 80th anniversary of its Victory Day, marking the end of the Second Sino-Japanese War and the global fight against fascism, the “Murayama statement” represented a “solemn declaration”, Lin said on Friday. He described the statement as a commitment made by the Japanese government regarding its past invasion and colonial history, adding that it “should be earnestly honoured and upheld”. Murayama’s passing coincides with a period of significant turbulence in Sino-Japanese ties amid Japan’s unstable domestic political landscape and rising geopolitical tensions. On the day of Murayama’s death, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba sent a ritual offering to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, which honours 2.5 million Japanese war dead, including 14 class A war criminals from World War II. Sanae Takaichi, the recently elected leader of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party and a contender to be the country’s first female prime minister, also made a ritual offering to the shrine. Visits to Yasukuni Shrine by Japanese government leaders over the years have elicited criticism and protests from China and other Asian countries. Takaichi’s political prospects have been complicated by the abrupt exit of the LDP’s junior coalition partner, Komeito, a party that has long served as a gateway to exchanges between China and Japan. Analysts have warned that uncertainty over the outcome of Japan’s prime ministerial election could affect Tokyo’s diplomatic commitments, including its relations with Beijing and Seoul. On Friday, when asked about the tributes at Yasukuni, Lin at China’s foreign ministry expressed “firm opposition” and lodged “solemn representations”, calling the shrine a “tool and symbol of Japanese militarism”. This year, Chinese leaders have repeatedly urged Japan to properly handle current geopolitical and historical issues. On August 15, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged Tokyo to face its history and “make the right choice” regarding Taiwan. Beijing sees Taiwan as part of China to be reunited by force if necessary. Most countries, including Japan and the United States, do not recognise Taiwan as an independent state, but Washington is opposed to any attempt to take the self-ruled island by force and is committed to supplying it with weapons. Meanwhile, as Japan remembered the millions who died in World War II, Ishiba this year voiced “remorse” over the war – the first time the word had been used in a prime minister’s speech at the annual ceremony in 13 years. “We must never repeat the tragedy of war and must remember its lessons,” Ishiba added. For decades, Chinese officials have held up the “Murayama statement” as a benchmark for Japan’s official stance on history. Former prime ministers Junichiro Koizumi and Shinzo Abe delivered speeches on the 60th and 70th anniversaries of the end of World War II repeating parts of Murayama’s statement. Even after leaving office, Murayama remained a vocal advocate for peace. In 2020, on the 25th anniversary of his landmark statement, he stressed the importance of a good relationship with China and the need for sincere reflection and apologies for peaceful regional relations. Last year, on his 100th birthday, Murayama issued a message through his party calling for Japan to stay a peace-loving country. And in January, Murayama again said Japan’s acknowledgement of its past war crimes was vital for its future. “Admitting past mistakes, offering apologies and affirming Japan’s peaceful stance help build trust in Asia,” he said. “This is very important for Japan’s future.”

China hails ex-Japanese PM Tomiichi Murayama who stated ‘deep remorse’ over WWII

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Beijing offers condolences on passing of ‘China’s old friend’ who gave landmark apology for Japan’s wartime aggression

Beijing offers condolences on passing of ‘China’s old friend’ who gave landmark apology for Japan’s wartime aggression