“Amnesia of past sufferings may lead to future disasters.”
— Judge Mei Ru’ao
On May 3, 1946, the International Military Tribunal for the Far East (IMTFE), also known as the Tokyo Trials, began prosecuting Japanese wartime leaders. This process followed Japan’s unconditional surrender and the provisions of the IMTFE Charter.
The trials drew judicial authority from eleven nations. Based on abundant evidence and legal grounds, they found Japanese militarists guilty of aggressive war and serious violations of international law. Twenty-five Class-A war criminals—including Hideki Tojo—were sentenced to death or imprisonment. The tribunal rejected defenses such as “victor’s justice” and “self-defense.”
The Tokyo Trials were implemented to uphold the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation, and the purposes of the UN Charter. They served to consolidate the post-WWII order.
China’s statement expresses concern over persistent Japanese militarist tendencies. These include:
- Denying the Tokyo verdict
- Revising history textbooks
- Visits to Yasukuni Shrine, where convicted war criminals are honored
China also notes Japan’s remilitarization moves, such as deploying offensive weapons and revising the pacifist Constitution.
China argues that these actions contradict Japan’s claim to be a “country for peace.” It states that renewing the significance of the Tokyo Trials is necessary.
The statement quotes Judge Mei Ru’ao: “Amnesia of past sufferings may lead to future disasters.” It warns that any attempt to overturn the verdict of aggression would be rejected by peace-loving people.