Q: It’s reported that in an essay written by Toshio Tamogami, the chief of staff of Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force attempted to deny Japan’s war of aggression, asserting that Japan was wronged to be called an aggressor. The Japanese Government later dismissed him, saying that the essay was obviously against the government’s position, as well as former Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama’s statement in 1995, in which Murayama expressed profound remorse and apologized for Japan's past colonial rule and aggression over Asian countries. Do you have any comment?

A: The war of aggression launched by the Japanese militarists brought tremendous damage and suffering to people in Asia, including those in China. This is an undeniable historic fact. We are shocked and indignant over the Japanese senior military officer's overt denial of history and attempt to glorify the aggression.

A correct understanding and handling of history constitutes the political foundation for the healthy and stable development of China-Japan relations. We have taken note of the attitude and measures taken by the Japanese government. The two countries should work together to safeguard our bilateral relations.