Skip to main content
China: Japan pressed to highlight historic slave labour sites

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.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
DEFEATING JAPAN IS A PRIORITY: Eighth Route Army fighting on Futuyu Great Wall in Laiyuan, Hebei, China, 1938 / Pic: Sha Fei/CC
History / 13 February 2026
13 February 2026

In Part 4 of her look at the Chinese revolution JENNY CLEGG addresses the relationship between the Peasant Movement and the National Movement

Morning Star team in China
Features / 20 September 2025
20 September 2025

ROGER McKENZIE argues that the BRI represents a choice between treating humans as commodities or as equals — an essential project when, aside from China’s efforts, hundreds of millions worldwide are trapped in poverty

all the delegates for the Fourth Wanshou Dialogue on Global Security, Jenny Clegg is front row second left
Features / 4 July 2025
4 July 2025

JENNY CLEGG reports from a Chinese peace conference bringing together defence ministers, US think tanks and global South leaders, where speakers warned that the erosion of multilateralism risks regional hotspots exploding into wider war