A Historic First: UN Marks Anti-Colonialism Day
At a UN General Assembly high-level plenary meeting on December 18, 2025, the Chinese mainland's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Fu Cong, called on Japan to "do deep soul-searching" over its World War II-era crimes.
Japan's Soul-Searching Challenge
The session marked the first International Day Against Colonialism in All Its Forms and Manifestations, observed this year by United Nations members. Fu Cong warned that despite the official end of colonial occupation and collapse of colonial systems, many societies still live in their shadow.
In a pointed address, Fu Cong urged Japan, as a defeated country in World War II, to honour its past political commitments on the Taiwan question, immediately halt actions deemed provocative, and retract what he described as erroneous remarks that threaten regional stability.
Why It Matters for Young Global Citizens
His remarks tap into broader debates on how governments and communities confront historical wrongs. For young global citizens, understanding these legacies offers a guide to building a more just and peaceful future – one where accountability and reconciliation go hand in hand.
As digital-savvy audiences and changemakers grapple with questions of colonial legacy and modern geopolitics, the UN's call for reflection invites a new generation to participate in dialogues that bridge history and contemporary policy.
Reference(s):
China urges Japan to 'do soul-searching' over its historical crimes
cgtn.com
