War crimes undeniable

Recent history is no small matter in the relations between China and Japan. Attempts to rewrite it and deny the facts will undermine the foundation for the lasting friendship both countries now desire.

Given the unbearable suffering of the Chinese people during the Japanese invasion, it is only natural that they should feel hurt by the remarks made by Takashi Kawamura, the mayor of Nagoya, during his meeting with a delegation from the Chinese city of Nanjing.

He said that he doubted invading Japanese troops massacred civilians in Nanjing in 1937. He based this belief on the kind treatment his father, an invading Japanese soldier, received in the city in 1945.