[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] The Chinese government strongly condemned the comfort women issue as a "serious crime against humanity committed by Japanese militarism."
Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated at a regular briefing on the 3rd regarding questions related to Japan during the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the United Nations (UN) Geneva office, "The Chinese delegation expressed serious concerns about Japan's attempts to dilute and evade its historical crimes."
Spokesperson Mao referred to the phrase 'Cheoljeung Yosan (鐵證如山),' meaning there is clear evidence as solid as a mountain, and emphasized, "This historical fact (the forced mobilization of comfort women) cannot be denied." He added, "Concealing historical facts and evading responsibility cannot justify oneself, and without acknowledging guilt and repenting, one cannot move forward into the future."
Mao also said, "We once again urge Japan to deeply reflect on its history of aggression, sincerely address the issues left by history such as the forced mobilization of comfort women, and provide appropriate explanations to Asian neighboring countries and the international community through concrete actions."
Earlier, at the UPR held on the 31st of last month, the South Korean government recommended that Japan listen to the victims of comfort women to restore their honor and dignity and to heal their psychological wounds. At this session, the Chinese delegation also stated that it recommends Japan to reflect responsibly and compensate the victims.
In response, Japan reiterated its position that "the comfort women issue was finally resolved according to the agreement reached at the December 2015 Korea-Japan Foreign Ministers' Meeting."
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