At a recent defense ministry briefing, a Chinese spokesperson urged Japan to accelerate the cleanup of abandoned chemical weapons from World War II still found on the Chinese mainland, emphasizing the need to quickly restore safe land for local communities.
This call comes as researchers have released thousands of pages of newly uncovered archives and images detailing the atrocities of Unit 731, the Japanese germ-warfare unit that conducted lethal experiments during the war. Photo collections from Guangdong Province and personal diaries from Hebei Province reveal the scale of the invasion’s human and environmental toll.
Leftover chemical shells and munitions pose ongoing health and ecological risks. Experts warn that delays in disposal can leave soil and groundwater contaminated, threatening the well-being of residents and wildlife.
Marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, the spokesperson called on Japan to reflect deeply on its wartime history and take swift action on its remaining chemical stockpiles.
As the deadline for cleanup approaches, stakeholders across Asia are watching closely, hoping for stronger collaboration on safe disposal techniques and community rehabilitation efforts.
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China urges Japan to speed up disposal of abandoned chemical weapons
cgtn.com
