Beijing is calling on Japan to confront its wartime past and address the issue of “comfort women” – women and girls forced into sexual slavery by the Imperial Japanese Armed Forces during World War II – with greater honesty and responsibility. The call comes amid growing international concern over Japan’s handling of this sensitive historical matter, including reports of denial regarding the rights of survivors to truth, justice, and reparations.
The demand was delivered by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun during a daily press briefing on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Guo responded to inquiries regarding a report from experts with the United Nations Human Rights Council, who have voiced serious concerns about Japan’s alleged denial of the suffering endured by “comfort women.” The UN experts have reportedly urged Japan to issue formal apologies, provide full compensation to survivors, and ensure accurate historical accounts are preserved in educational materials.
The term “comfort women” refers to the tens of thousands of women, primarily from Korea, China, and other occupied countries, who were forced into sexual servitude at Japanese military brothels during the 1930s and 1940s. Historians and human rights advocates widely recognize this as a grave violation of human rights and a form of wartime sexual violence. According to History.com, the practice began as early as 1932 and continued until the end of World War II in 1945.
The Scale of the Atrocities
Although estimates vary, historical research indicates that a significant number of women were affected. Chinese women comprised the largest group held by the Japanese military as sex slaves, with the practice particularly brutal during the occupation of China in the 1930s, as detailed in research from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (Chinese Comfort Women · Narratives of World War II in the Pacific). Women were often kidnapped, tricked, or stolen into this system of oppression, facing horrific conditions and violence.
Testimonies from survivors paint a harrowing picture of the abuse they endured. Zhang Xiantu, a survivor, recalled being repeatedly raped by Japanese soldiers in March 1941 before being abducted as a “comfort woman” at the age of 15. Another survivor, Zhao Runmei, was subjected to sexual assault after witnessing the murder of her neighbors and foster parents (The message behind China’s high-profile “comfort women” lawsuit against Tokyo). These accounts highlight the severe physical and psychological trauma inflicted upon these women.
Recent Legal Challenges
The issue has recently resurfaced in the legal arena. In May 2024, the children of 18 deceased former Chinese “comfort women” filed a lawsuit against Tokyo in a Chinese court, seeking financial compensation of up to two million yuan (approximately $416,000 AUD) per plaintiff and a formal public apology. This marks the first such lawsuit filed in China, emphasizing the violation of women’s rights and the demand for accountability. The lawsuit seeks redress for abuses including kidnapping, detention, rape, torture, and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
The renewed focus on this historical injustice underscores the potent influence of nationalism on historical memory, with Beijing actively participating in global efforts to seek justice and recognition for the “comfort women.” The Lowy Institute notes that this issue has become a focal point for national identity in China.
What to Watch Next
The outcome of the lawsuit in China and Japan’s response to the UN Human Rights Council’s concerns will be closely watched. Further developments could significantly impact the ongoing dialogue between the two countries and the pursuit of justice for the survivors. The preservation of historical accounts and the inclusion of accurate information in textbooks remain critical components of addressing this painful chapter in history.
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