Japan and China Mark WWII End with Divergent Commemorations

Benxi, China, Aug 14 (AP) Eight decades have passed since the conclusion of World War II, and Japan and China are observing the anniversary through significant events on distinct dates and in contrasting manners.

Japan commemorates the day with a somber ceremony on August 15, marking when then-Emperor Hirohito announced Japan's surrender via a crackling radio message. Conversely, China plans a military parade on September 3, a day after Japan's formal surrender ceremony on an American battleship in Tokyo Bay.

Japan's invasion of China before and during WWII left an indelible mark, with estimates of 20 million casualties. These wartime experiences continue to strain the bilateral relations between the two nations.

In the city of Benxi, a museum pays tribute to the anti-Japanese resistance fighters who took refuge in log cabins in the harsh winters of Manchuria before retreating to Russia. They later returned following the Soviet Union's declaration of war on Japan and its subsequent offensive in Manchuria on August 9, 1945—the same day as the atomic bombing of Nagasaki by the US—adding pressure on Japan to surrender.

Today, China's growing military capabilities raise concerns as it seeks to assert territorial claims in the Pacific. In response, Japan's discussions of enhancing its defense provoke references to its militaristic history from China.

“We urge Japan to deeply reflect on its historical culpability, earnestly draw lessons from history and stop using hype over regional tensions and China-related issues to conceal its true intent of military expansion,” expressed Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun last month.

Japan's surrender broadcast Hirohito's pre-recorded surrender message on August 15, 1945, was delivered in an archaic style and poor audio quality, rendering it incomprehensible to many Japanese. However, historians emphasize that the message's significance lay in its delivery by the emperor, considered a living deity at the time. Most Japanese had never previously heard his voice.

As Nihon University's Professor Takahisa Furukawa noted in 2015, "The speech is a reminder of what it took to end the wrong war." This year, Hirohito's grandson, Emperor Naruhito, and the Prime Minister will make televised remarks during Tokyo's annual August 15 ceremony, as broadcasted by public broadcaster NHK.

During last year's event, Emperor Naruhito conveyed deep remorse for Japan's wartime actions. Yet, on the same day, the controversial visits by three Japanese cabinet ministers to Tokyo's Yasukuni shrine sparked critiques from China and South Korea, who view the shrine as a militarism symbol.

China marks Victory Day Japan's surrender was formalized on September 2, 1945, aboard the USS Missouri. Signing for Japan were the foreign minister, dressed in top hat and tails, and the army chief. Representing the other side were US Gen. Douglas MacArthur and delegates from China and other Allied nations.

Following the event, China designated September 3 as Victory Day.

In response to rising tensions with Japan over divergent wartime historical perspectives and ongoing territorial disputes in the East China Sea, the Communist Party intensified China's anniversary commemorations eleven years ago, with top leaders like President Xi Jinping attending the celebratory event.

The following year, China marked the war's 70th anniversary with a military parade. One decade later, extensive preparations are underway for another grand display featuring missiles, tanks, and fighter jets.

Among the anticipated attendees is Russian President Vladimir Putin. (AP) NPK NPK