Only by Facing History Squarely Can One Embrace the Future, Premier Li Keqiang Stresses

Only by Facing History Squarely Can One Embrace the Future, Premier Li Keqiang Stresses

2013/05/26

On 26 May, Premier Li Keqiang toured the site of the Potsdam Conference in the state of Brandenburg, Germany.

Premier Li was received by Governor Matthias Platzeck upon arrival. He looked at the articles and photos on display and listened to presentations about the Potsdam Conference. He also reviewed copies of the Potsdam Declaration and Cairo Declaration.

http://lk.china-embassy.org/eng/zgxw/t1043950.htm

After the tour, Premier Li spoke to the press despite the drizzle. He said that the site of the Potsdam Conference is a place full of history, for the world as well as for China. The Potsdam Declaration represented a banner of justice – more importantly, an ultimatum – issued to the fascist forces of the world. Twenty days later, Japan announced acceptance of the Potsdam Declaration and its unconditional surrender. This was a victory both for the Chinese people and people elsewhere. This history will never be forgotten.

Speaking as a Chinese person and a representative of the Chinese people, Premier Li stressed that paragraph 8 of the Potsdam Declaration makes clear that "the terms of the Cairo Declaration shall be carried out". The Cairo Declaration, in turn, states that all the territories that Japan had stolen from China, such as Northeast China, Taiwan and related islands, shall be restored to China. This was a victory secured at the price of tens of thousands of lives and an important underpinning of the world order established after WWII. All peace-loving people should uphold the post-war peace order which brooks no damage and denial.

Premier Li pointed out that history is an objective existence and a mirror and cited the ancient Chinese "By looking into a mirror, one can make sure that he is dressed properly". Only by facing history squarely, can one have a future. The Chinese people will not accept any comments or actions that seek to deny or glorify the history of fascist aggression; nor are these acceptable to the forces of justice elsewhere that value peace. China would like to work with all peace-loving people to uphold the post-war order and safeguard world peace and prosperity.

Premier Li ended by saying that only in a peaceful international environment, can people everywhere enjoy a good life. The Chinese and the Germans are all peace-loving people committed to friendly relations between China and Germany and between China and Europe. China stands ready to work with Germany and Europe to further maintain world peace and promote common development.

After the tour, Premier Li Keqiang met with Governor Matthias Platzeck. As well as warmly welcoming Li, the Brandenburg Governor said that Potsdam Declaration has shaped the post-war world order for decades. It is an important historical document that continues to have an important impact and role to this day. Brandenburg is committed to growing the economy and looks forward to strengthening practical cooperation with China in renewable energy, next-generation Internet, culture and other fields. Premier Li agreed with these remarks.