Nine Japanese citizens, all of whom are descendants of Japanese invaders in China during World War II, on Thursday began a trip of confession and apology in China.
The delegation, aged from 65 to 77, arrived in Changchun, the capital city of northeast China's Jilin Province, on Thursday afternoon. The main purpose of their trip is to express their sincere apologies to the Chinese people on behalf of older generations of their families who committed crimes of aggression.
During the five-day trip, the delegation will make a formal apology at a site once occupied by invading Japanese troops in Jilin's Gongzhuling City.
"My father was a Japanese soldier who committed many crimes on the land of China. As his son, I want to atone for my father and hope to get people's forgiveness," said Akio Kuroi, member of the delegation.
They will also present Changchun Normal University with the gift of a significant number of documents related to the invasion of China from Japanese historical archives for further research.
The tour also aims to call on the international community to remember history and cherish peace, said Li Suzhen, head of the delegation.
Descendants of WWII Japanese invaders begin apology tour in China
A large number of exhibitors are participating in the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE), with both newcomers and returning exhibitors bringing a great variety of products, including many debuts.
Themed "New Era, Shared Future", the 7th CIIE opened at 10:00 Tuesday in Shanghai.
A total of 3,496 exhibitors from 129 countries and regions have signed up to participate in the CIIE this year, with both numbers exceeding those of the previous session. The participants include 297 Fortune 500 companies and other industry leaders, setting a historical high. A total of 186 companies and institutions have participated in all seven sessions.
Dublin-based automotive technology company Aptiv participates in the CIIE for the first time this year, bringing its automotive intelligence and electrification products, with many exhibits and technologies being released for the first time.
"We have noticed the positive impact the CIIE has brought to global trade over the years, and China's automobile industry is also developing rapidly. So we want to use this excellent platform of the CIIE to conduct more in-depth exchanges and cooperation with companies from various countries including China," said Jiang Weihao, active safety and user experience technical manager of Aptiv China.
Ebara, a global industrial machinery manufacturer with a history of more than 100 years, brings more than 45 exhibits to this CIIE, in which technical products such as hydrogen energy solutions and liquid hydrogen booster pumps are exhibited in China for the first time.
"The CIIE is a platform for trade, culture and technology exchanges, and we have seen results over the years. China's efforts in opening-up are increasing, and its sci-tech innovation capabilities are constantly improving, providing companies with complete services and policy support, giving them confidence in development," said Ou Lei, general manager of business planning of Ebara China.
The CIIE not only attracts new friends, but also brings back a group of old friends. In the service trade exhibition area, the Piraeus Port Authority, manager and operator of Greece's largest port, is participating in the CIIE for the seventh time this year.
"After the first time of the Piraeus Port Authority in the CIIE, we noticed that we have an increase in our container throughput. We have 40 percent of (containers) from the Chinese market. For that reason, Piraeus Port Authority wants to be here in order to expand its knowledge, its experience to meet new partnerships, not only in Chinese market, but in every foreign market,” said a staff member of Piraeus Port Authority.
7th CIIE showcases diverse products from new and returning exhibitors
