An exhibition marking the 80th anniversary of the start of the Tokyo Tribunal opened at the UN headquarters in New York on Monday. The exhibition, titled 'Justice and Peace for All Humanity,' features historical photographs, archival documents, and publications related to the investigation and prosecution of Japanese war crimes during World War II.
At the opening ceremony, Fu Cong, China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, stated that the Tokyo Tribunal established the post-war world order, upholds justice and equality, and promotes international law. He emphasized that this is a landmark victory of peace over war, civilization over barbarism, and justice over evil, holding far-reaching political and historical significance.
Fu Cong added that the Tokyo Tribunal held Japanese militarism accountable. In his view, it is crucial for Japan to understand the essence of the tribunal, completely abandon militarism, and dedicate itself to peace forever. He expressed regret that ultra-right-wing forces in Japan continue to question the legitimacy of the Tokyo Tribunal under various pretexts and attempt to silence the history of Japanese aggression.
According to the Chinese representative, Japan is moving further away from the principles of the Tokyo Tribunal, deviating from its 'pacifist' charter: from venerating high-ranking war criminals to weakening export controls on weapons and abolishing the ban on collective self-defense. Fu concluded that history, if not forgotten, can serve as a guide for the future, and it is necessary to counter the rise of neo-militarism by jointly supporting the post-war order and international peace and security.
Also speaking at the ceremony were Ci Dahai, Director General of the Department of Treaties and Law of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Zhou Feng, curator of the Memorial Hall of Victims of the Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders, as well as representatives from Russia and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Permanent representatives from Spain, Nicaragua, and other countries were present.
The speakers stressed the role of the Tokyo Tribunal in maintaining peace through the rule of law and holding Japan accountable for military aggression. They highlighted the need to learn lessons from the past, remember the suffering caused by the war, and work together to prevent the resurgence of militarism and aggression. The exhibition was organized by the Permanent Mission of China to the United Nations and is part of the UN International Law Week.
