Ministry of Defense Responds to Japan's Military Forces Landing in the Philippines: Relevant Countries Should Not Forget the Painful Lessons of History
On the afternoon of April 30, the Ministry of Defense held a regular press conference, where Major General Zhang Xiaogang, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense, answered questions from reporters.
A reporter asked: The Japan Self-Defense Forces participated in this year's U.S.-Philippines "Shoulder to Shoulder" joint exercise, marking the first time Japanese combat forces have landed in the Philippines since the end of World War II. Domestic World War II victim groups and civil organizations in the Philippines have expressed opposition and protest. What is your comment on this?
Zhang Xiaogang stated that the perpetrators have yet to sincerely repent, and when will the historical wounds be healed? Relevant countries should not forget the painful lessons of history, listen more to the voices of the people, stop creating division and confrontation, and jointly curb Japan's new militarism to maintain peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
Japan's Self-Defense Forces participated in joint military exercises with the Philippines and the United States on April 30, 2023, marking their first landing in the Philippines since World War II. This action faced opposition from Philippine groups, which highlighted historical grievances. The Chinese Defense Ministry urged nations to remember the painful lessons of history and to prevent the rise of militarism in the region.
- Japan's Self-Defense Forces participated in joint military exercises with the Philippines and the United States.
- This is the first time Japanese combat forces have landed in the Philippines since World War II.
- Philippine groups opposed the landing, citing historical grievances.
- The Chinese Defense Ministry emphasized the need to remember historical lessons and avoid militarism.