Japan Urged Countries to Skip China’s V-Day Events, Experts Say
According to Chinese state media, Japanese authorities reportedly asked European and Asian nations not to attend the commemorative events in Beijing marking the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. The request was framed by Chinese commentators as motivated by concerns over the event’s “anti-Japanese overtones.”
Experts Condemn Call as Short-Sighted
Commentators featured in the report described Japan’s alleged request as “narrow-minded” and harmful to historical reconciliation. They argued that encouraging countries to stay away from such events undermines understanding of World War II history and the shared memory of global resistance against fascism.
Significance of the Anniversary
The event, slated for September 3, 2025, marks the 80th anniversary of China’s victory over Japan in World War II and the global triumph over fascism. Preparations include military parades and public commemorations—a sensitive topic given the legacy of the war and ongoing bilateral tensions.
No Official Japanese Response Yet
As of now, Japan has not released any official statement confirming or denying its involvement in instructing other countries to stay away. The report relied on unnamed diplomatic sources cited by Japanese media.
