China News Service, Beijing, February 11 (Reporter Huang Yuqin) In response to Japan's progress in declaring sites involving forced labor as a world cultural heritage, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said at a regular press conference on the 11th that Japan ignores the painful memories of its neighbors. It will only incur further anger and opposition.

  A reporter asked that Japan is promoting the application of the Jinshan Mountains on Sado Island as a world cultural heritage. The President of South Korea expressed regret on the 10th and worries about the emergence of new historical issues.

What is China's comment?

  Zhao Lijian said that China has responded to relevant issues before, and forced labor and slave labor are serious crimes committed by Japanese militarism during its foreign aggression and colonial rule.

  Zhao Lijian pointed out that Japan had admitted in the previous similar application process that some sites had been subjected to forced labor against the wishes of laborers in China, the Korean Peninsula and other Asian countries, and promised to set up an information center to commemorate the victims, but it has never been fulfilled.

Now, Japan is ignoring the painful memories of its neighbors and trying to make a new similar application, which will only lead to further anger and opposition.

Japan should face up to and reflect on history, properly handle issues left over from history with an honest, responsible attitude and practical actions, and win the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community.

(Finish)