China Urges Japan to Address WWII History and “Comfort Women” Issues

Beijing is calling on Japan to confront its wartime past and address the issue of “comfort women” – women and girls forced into sexual slavery by the Imperial Japanese Armed Forces during World War II – with greater honesty and responsibility. The demand comes amid growing international concern over Japan’s handling of this sensitive historical matter, including reports of denial regarding the rights of survivors to truth, justice, and reparations.

China’s Official Statement

The demand was delivered by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun during a daily press briefing on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Guo responded to inquiries regarding a report from experts with the United Nations Human Rights Council, who have voiced serious concerns about Japan’s alleged denial of the suffering endured by “comfort women.” The UN experts have reportedly urged Japan to issue formal apologies, provide full compensation to survivors, and ensure accurate historical accounts are preserved in educational materials.

Guo Jiakun stated that China urges Japan to do serious soul-searching on its history of aggression and properly handle issues left over from history, including the forced conscription of “comfort women,” with an honest and responsible attitude according to Xinhua.

Understanding “Comfort Women”

The term “comfort women” refers to the tens of thousands of women, primarily from Korea, China, and other occupied countries, who were forced into sexual servitude at Japanese military brothels during the 1930s and 1940s as reported by Archyde. Historians and human rights advocates widely recognize this as a grave violation of human rights and a form of wartime sexual violence. The practice began as early as 1932 and continued until the finish of World War II in 1945.

UN Concerns and Calls for Accountability

The United Nations Human Rights Council experts have expressed grave concern at Japan’s denial of the right to truth, justice and reparation of “comfort women” survivors as stated by CGTN. They are calling on Japan to produce apologies and provide full compensation to the survivors, as well as preserve relevant historical accounts in textbooks.

China’s Position

Guo Jiakun emphasized that the forced recruitment of “comfort women” is a serious crime committed by Japanese militarism, severely trampling on the rights of the victims. He added that the evidence is undeniable and the UN human rights mechanism’s statement demonstrates the international commitment to defending fairness and justice.

China urges Japan to deeply reflect on its history of aggression and the suffering inflicted on victims, heed the suggestions of human rights experts, and handle the issue of “comfort women” and other historical issues with honesty and responsibility to earn the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community.