China denounces Japan’s objection to Ban’s presence at parade

“The UN was created as an outcome of the anti-fascist war and anti-militarism. It was created after the victory of the WW-II,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei told media briefing here on Monday, reacting to Japan’s protests to the UN, stating that the world body should remain neutral.

“On the issue of commemorating victory over fascists, how can you ask the UN to stay neutral? On the issues bearing peace and justice for humankind, how can you ask UN to be neutral? We urge <g data-gr-id="38">specific</g> country to stop being unreasonable or wasting time and energy,” Hong said.

“Instead they should read the UN charter carefully, reflecting upon the history of aggression and make tangible moves to win the trust of Asian neighbours and <g data-gr-id="40">international</g> community,” he said.

Earlier, the UN Secretary General has himself defended his decision to attend the massive September 3 parade organised by China which held the event for the first time in 70 years. China suffered 35 million casualties in the WW-II against Japan, according to Chinese officials.

“China’s contribution and sacrifice during the second World War is very much recognised, [China is] appreciated for all such sufferings, and sympathised by the world’s people,” Ban has been quoted as saying by the state-run media here.

“It’s important to look to the past, what kinds of lessons we have been learning, and how we can move ahead to a brighter future based on the lessons learned. That is the main purpose,” Ban said.

About 30 foreign dignitaries attended the event while most of the western leaders stayed away apprehending that the event was directed against Japan, given Beijing’s present dispute with Tokyo over the disputed islands in South China Sea.