Recalling Nanjing helps improve ties with Japan

It has been said that history is little more than the register of the crimes, follies and misfortunes of mankind. But there is a reason for that, since looking back it can usually be seen that, however complex or obscure their causes, the events are usually the result of similar fervors.

By choosing to remember what we do, we express the hope that the past can serve to guide us to a better future by reminding us of where our frenzies may lead.

Thus, instead of being intended to ferment enmity between China and Japan, the National Memorial Service held to mark the 80th Anniversary of the Nanjing Massacre on Wednesday was meant as a historical reminder that both Chinese and Japanese peoples should treasure friendly bilateral relations.