China-led spat on Japan aggression revealed over UN WWII anniv. document

In 1995, a China-led dispute erupted at the United Nations Security Council regarding Japan's acknowledgement of its role in World War II. The dispute arose as China sought to include the term "aggression" in a proposed Security Council statement marking the 50th anniversary of the war's end. China aimed to assert that the war was illegal under international law, implying potential liability.

However, Britain's deputy permanent representative and later ambassador to Japan, Stephen Gomersall, noted the council's surprise at this last-minute change. Britain's U.N. permanent representative, John Weston, argued that not all aspects of WWII could be labeled aggression and urged a more forward-looking approach. Chinese Ambassador to the U.N., Qin Huasun, countered by altering his amendment to "war unleashed by aggression," asserting that the council could not use similar language as in a May 1995 statement for Nazi Germany's surrender, as Germany had clearly apologized, while many Japanese continued to deny their responsibility.

Following Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama's heartfelt apology for Japan's colonial rule and aggression in Asia, Britain assured Japan of their support, leading to a compromise where Japan agreed to circulate Murayama's statement as a Security Council document. While a chair's statement is non-binding, the inclusion of the term "aggression" could have diplomatically impacted Japan.

Britain ultimately decided to back Japan, citing the potential negative consequences on Japan's bid for a permanent Security Council seat. The U.S. mission reportedly refrained from getting involved, citing a desire to conserve resources for addressing other U.S./China issues.