China today asked Japan to acknowledge "historical crimes" committed by its military during the World War II.
"Asian countries such as China and the Republic of Korea are the victims of the invasion and colonisation by Japanese militarists," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei.
Japan held territory in mainland China and went on to invade Manchuria in the 1930s before occupying most of eastern China. Their brutal occupation lasted until the end of World War II in 1945.
"Japan should face up to the appeal of its Asian neighbours, and reflect on the historical crimes committed by the Japanese militarists," Hong said.
The latest comment came after South Korea unveiled its plan to compile history text books highlighting the alleged human rights violations committed by Japanese troops.
"Only when history is faced up to, can a better future be created," Hong said while backing Korea's effort.
