Xinhua News Agency: On August 6, 1945, the U.S. dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, accelerating the end of World War II. Eighty-one years on, right-wing forces in Japan are gearing up to revive militarism. The Japanese authorities are rebuilding Japan’s war machine, seeking to revise the three non-nuclear principles, and pursuing nuclear sharing with the U.S., even the possession of nuclear weapons. This is diametrically opposed to the will of the Japanese people who suffered the nuclear explosions and have always aspired for peace. What’s China’s comment?

Lin Jian: The devastation and tragedies brought by nuclear weapons should never repeat themselves. That said, the particular context of the nuclear explosions should all the more be remembered and the lessons of Japanese militarism’s aggression and expansion must forever serve as an alarm. Right-wing forces in Japan have long been distorting historical facts, politically exploiting the nation’s identity as a nuclear bombing victim for sympathy and deliberately downplaying Japan’s invasion that killed and wounded tens of millions of people in Japan’s neighboring countries, in an attempt to escape accountability for the war.

More ironically, the Japanese authorities have been beefing up military buildup, seeking enhanced nuclear protection from the U.S., and attempting to break free from the three non-nuclear principles. A senior official at the Prime Minister’s Office even clamored for Japan’s independent nuclear armament, without even hiding the ambition for remilitarization. This is a provocation to all peace-loving people in the world and reveals their contempt for historical justice.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the start of the Tokyo Trials. The jury of history is still out and demands reverence from Japan. The Japanese side needs to face up to the concerns of the international community, earnestly fulfill its nuclear non-proliferation obligations under international law, and not once again stand before the court of history.

Bloomberg: China has deep sea exploration blocks in the Pacific Ocean and has sent a seabed research ship (Xiang Hang Hong 06) close to the EEZ of Japan’s Minamitorishima island in recent years. What is China’s intention with this activity and is it looking to potentially mine rare earths from the seabed in the Pacific?

Lin Jian: China’s ocean research activities serve peaceful purposes. They are in strict compliance with relevant regulations of international law and aimed at improving humanity’s scientific knowledge of the ocean and contributing to the overall wellbeing of the international community.

Bloomberg: The Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning entered the EEZ of Minamitorishima in June last year. What was the purpose of this activity?

Lin Jian: China follows a defensive national defense policy. Chinese military vessels’ activities in relevant waters are fully consistent with international law and international practice.

Bloomberg: Japan is building up its military facilities on its Pacific islands, including the placement of an anti-ship missile battery on Minamitorishima. It says it is responding to rising military activity by China and Russia. Do you have any comment on this?

Lin Jian: This is yet another proof of Japan accelerating remilitarization. Japan committed untold crimes and inflicted profound sufferings to its Asian neighbors and the world in its blatant aggression and expansion during WWII. Today, not only has Japan refused to repent, it is even retracing those erroneous steps and concocting false narratives about threat from neighboring countries to cover up its attempt of military buildup. Facts prove that Japan’s remilitarization already poses real threat to regional peace and stability, and the international community must stay on high alert. China urges the Japanese side to stop the spread of disinformation and smear campaign, truly repent for its historical crimes, learn the lesson of history, and step back from the wrong path. 

Reuters: FBI Director Patel has said he hoped to gain allies in combating transnational crimes with China and Russia, and that the law enforcement partnership model the FBI is pursuing could be applied to “almost anyone.” Does Beijing see it the same way? How does the partnership benefit China, and will it continue? Patel said there have been joint raids and arrests, and personnel exchanges in the past year, can China confirm these efforts with the FBI?

Lin Jian: China is open to enhancing dialogue and communication with the U.S. law enforcement authorities. We stand ready to engage in law enforcement cooperation with the U.S. in the spirit of equality, respect and mutual benefit. For anything specific, I’d refer you to competent authorities.