Memory and Reconciliation in the Asia-Pacific

记忆 ⚆ 和解 ⚆ 아태

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Foreign Relations

Home News & Opinions Foreign Relations

Foreign Rhetoric on China’s World War II 80th Anniversary Military Parade

  • September 11, 2025
  • Asia-Pacific

Some viewed China’s action as an attempt to rewrite the war narrative. The narrative about CCP leading World War II reinforces China’s domestic legitimacy by downplaying the Nationalist and the U.S. efforts. It also acts as a signal to Indo-Pacific…

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China Celebrating 80th Anniversary of The End of World War II

  • September 9, 2025
  • Asia-Pacific

China held a large-scale military parade in Beijing to commemorate 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The military parade showcased newly invented high-technology Chinese weapons. Foreign leaders like Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un attend the parade…

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Japan’s Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru Remorsing during World War II 80th Anniversary

  • August 29, 2025
  • Asia-Pacific

His usage of the word “remorse” marks the first use of this word since 2013 during a memorial ceremony. He pledged to renounce war as a positive step toward improving relations. Contrasting to previous years, his remarks underscore rate tone…

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Japan’s Upper House Election and Its Uncertainties

  • August 20, 2025
  • Asia-Pacific

With the Ruling LDP-Komieto coalition losing majority in the Upper House, this may weaken Japan’s regional security posture and influence with Northeast Asian countries. Though U.S. and allies are keeping stable and mutually beneficial relations with Japan, internal instability may…

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Japanese Prime Minister Sending Offerings to Yasukuni Shrine

  • August 6, 2025
  • Asia-Pacific

Japan’s Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru sent ritual offering to Yasukuni Shrine where both South and North Korea expressed deep regret on the Prime Minister’s action. Though some argue that honoring individual sacrifice should be seen distinctly from glorifying Japan’s militaristic…

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Efforts to Continue Search for Battle of Okinawa Remains

  • July 23, 2025
  • Asia-Pacific

With limited government support, Okinawa is having a hard time recovering and identifying remains that died during the Battle of Okinawa. Locals also fear new U.S. base construction with rising regional uncertainties in disturbing unmarked graves and threatening to erase…

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Ongoing World War II History Dispute between China and Taiwan

  • July 22, 2025
  • Asia-Pacific

Taiwan has continuously asserted that ROC is the legitimate force fighting Japanese aggression with PRC having no substantial contribution. China has denounce DPP for downplaying Japanese occupation, while stating that Taiwan’s history becomes evident that Taiwan is part of mainland…

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2024 Recap 5: South Korea Martial Law Declaration

  • July 17, 2025
  • Asia-Pacific

With martial law declaration, Japanese officials are reconsidering diplomatic plans with South Korea. It suspended diplomatic engagements with uncertainty rose even in broader U.S.-Japan-South Korea security partnership as the opposition is trying for an impeachment. The Asahi Shimbum Article: https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15537648…

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Jan. 15, 2022 — Some perspectives on the 2022 South Korean presidential election

  • January 15, 2022
  • Asia-Pacific

Al Jazeera: S Korea presidential poll: Choosing the lesser of two evils (Opinion Piece) Nikkei Asia: South Korean presidential campaign mired in mudslinging The Korea Times: More Korean voters balk at choosing presidential candidates The Korea Herald: [Kim Seong-kon] 10…

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Apr. 13, 2021 — Japan to Dump Nuclear Wastewater into Ocean, Causes Tension (Various)

  • April 13, 2021
  • Asia-Pacific

Global Times: Japan’s plan to dump nuclear wastewater sparks concerns over seafood safety in China BBC: Fukushima: Japan approves releasing wastewater into ocean New York Times: Fukushima Wastewater Will Be Released Into the Ocean, Japan Says Nikkei Asia: Japan decides…

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Apr. 7, 2021 — North Korea Will Not Attend Olympics (Various)

  • April 7, 2021
  • Asia-Pacific

Asahi Shimbun–North Korea says it won’t participate in Tokyo Olympics Chosun Ilbo–N.Korea Says It Won’t Take Part in Tokyo Olympics AP News–EXPLAINER: Why is North Korea skipping the Tokyo Olympics? The Diplomat–North Korea Says It Won’t Participate in Tokyo Olympics…

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Feb. 5, 2021 — Korean White Paper Highlights Cool Relations With Japan (Various)

  • February 5, 2021
  • Asia-Pacific

Chosun Ilbo: Korea Labels Japan ‘Neighbor’ Not ‘Partner’ Global Times: South Korea’s defense white paper strikes a pragmatic tone South China Morning Post: South Korea affirms cool Japan relations, warm China ties in defence white paper Korean Herald: Seoul says…

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Coverage of 70th Anniversary of Korean War (Various)

  • November 9, 2020
  • Asia-Pacific

Global Times: “The spirit of CPV soldiers resisting US aggression in Korean War inspires generations of Chinese people” Global Times: “CPV soldiers confident in young Chinese generations inheriting their spirit” Global Times: “Gala to mark the 70th anniversary of the…

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Oct. 4, 2020 — “[Heroes from afar] French, Korean Soldiers Forged Close Bonds During War” (Korea Joong Ang Daily)

  • October 4, 2020
  • Asia-Pacific

Korea Joong Ang Daily: They ate with the French. Fought with the French. Rested in the same barracks as the French. They just didn’t speak French. “We did everything together, eat, train, fight in battles, wield the same weapons, wear the…

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Sept. 17, 2020 — Philippines pursuing Sabah claim against Malaysia as ‘we have not forgotten’, says Locsin (SCMP)

  • September 17, 2020
  • Asia-Pacific

With territorial disputes involving Southeast Asia having dominated global headlines for weeks, now might seem like an opportune moment for the Philippines to revive its quarrel with Malaysia over the sovereignty of Sabah.

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Sept. 10, 2020 — Koreans and Filipinos in TikTok War (Chosun Ilbo)

  • September 10, 2020
  • Asia-Pacific

“The anti-Korean hashtag #CancelKorea is trending in the Philippines after a storm in a teacup involving a tattoo and a local ‘influencer.'”

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Sept. 2, 2020 — Yoshihide Suga to be Japan’s Next Prime Minister (Dong-A Ilbo)

  • September 2, 2020
  • Asia-Pacific

In late August, Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced he would be stepping down due to medical reasons. Abe’s resignation has led some to question how his successor would handle sensitive issues such as visits to the Yasukuni Shrine and…

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April 15, 2015 – “After 70 years, over 40 percent of Germans want closure on Nazi past” (Reuters)

  • April 15, 2015
  • Europe

“Seventy years after the end of World War Two, some 42 percent of Germans want to draw a line under the Nazi past, a poll showed on Wednesday, as the nation’s complex legacy continues to shape its international role and…

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April 14, 2015 – “POINT OF VIEW: Despite frustrations, Japan must make effort to end negative spiral” (Asahi)

  • April 15, 2015
  • Asia-Pacific

By Matsui Ken: “…Japan must now look calmly at its relations with neighboring nations that have worsened in recent years and make tenacious efforts to end its negative spiral.”

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April 14, 2015 – “Survey: 74% view past apologies to Asian neighbors as ‘appropriate'” (Asahi)

  • April 15, 2015
  • Asia-Pacific

Asahi survey found: -74% of respondents regard the statements issued on the 50th and 60th anniversaries of the end of World War II as “appropriate.” -Those who replied that the expressions are “appropriate” represented the view of more than 70…

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April 14, 2015 – “Taiwan says remembering end of WWII won’t hurt ties with Japan” (Today)

  • April 15, 2015
  • Asia-Pacific

“President Ma Ying-jeou said yesterday that he does not think Taiwan’s plan to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II will undermine the island’s relationship with Japan.”

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April 9, 2015 – “China urges caution from U.S. on dispute with Japan” (Reuters)

  • April 15, 2015
  • Asia-Pacific

“China’s Foreign Ministry urged the United States on Thursday to act and speak cautiously after the U.S. defense chief repeated Washington’s opposition to any “coercive unilateral” actions by China over a group of islets disputed with Japan.”

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April 13, 2015 – “President Park turns invitation to Russia down” (Korea JoongAng Daily)

  • April 12, 2015
  • Asia-Pacific

“South Korean President Park Geun-hye is not expected to attend Russia’s World War II victory anniversary celebration next month, an event North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is scheduled to show up at. Instead, Park will dispatch a special envoy to Moscow,…

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April 12, 2015 – “Japan, China, South Korea agree to boost tourism despite diplomatic rift” (South China Morning Post)

  • April 12, 2015
  • Asia-Pacific

“Japan, China and South Korea briefly put aside territorial and historical disputes on Sunday for rare trilateral talks announcing a bid to boost tourism numbers in the three countries to 30 million visitors in five years… The meeting — the first…

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Recent Posts
  • The FCCJ held several events to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II
  • 80th Anniversary of World War II Series at FCCJ
  • Foreign Rhetoric on China’s World War II 80th Anniversary Military Parade
  • China Celebrating 80th Anniversary of The End of World War II
  • Efforts To Continue Commemorating Comfort Women From Various Asian Countries
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