CHINA called for openness about war crimes committed during World War II yesterday, after Unesco declared several former Japanese slave labour factories as world heritage sites.

The 23 historic sites, which were part of Japan’s transformation from a feudal society to an industrialised imperial power, are controversial for their use of Chinese and Korean civilians and allied prisoners as forced labour during the war.

Some of those who endured starvation, abuse by their captors and bombardment are still seeking compensation, or at least an apology.

South Korea portrayed the decision as a victory after Japan agreed to acknowledge the crimes.

But China’s Unesco ambassador Zhang Xiuqin said: “There still lacks an adequate account from Japan of the whole facts surrounding the use of forced labour.”

She urged Japan to ensure that “the sufferings of each and every one of the forced laborers are remembered, and their dignity upheld.”