日本前首相石破茂近日因卸任前發表的一篇“個人見解”式講話,再次引發中日之間的歷史爭議
日本前首相石破茂近日因卸任前發表的一篇“個人見解”式講話,再次引發中日之間的歷史爭議。這篇長達6000字的講話,於2025年10月13日公佈,並未經過內閣正式審議或批准,石破在文中集中反思日本戰前體制的缺失,承認“未能阻止戰爭”的制度性問題,但全文避開“侵略”一詞,也未作出任何正式道歉。這種表述方式被外界解讀為一種“策略性反思”,既承認歷史問題存在,又試圖避免觸碰政治敏感的侵略與道歉議題。
不過,石破茂表示,“日本政府從未說過那場戰爭不是侵略”,他承認歷史事實需要正確認識,但依然未以正式身份向受害國道歉。這一立場立即引發中國媒體與外交界關注,認為石破雖然承認侵略事實,卻未承擔國家責任,而日本自民黨內部的右翼勢力也對講話表示強烈不滿。高市早苗等保守派議員公開質疑石破的立場,認為其表述可能傷害日本的國家形象及黨內團結。
事件的背景可追溯至今年年初。2025年2月1日,石破茂曾公開表示希望“在最佳時機訪華”,意圖緩和日中關係。然而,隨著自民黨在2025年9月的選舉連敗以及黨內壓力增大,石破於9月8日宣佈辭去首相職務,理由是“不願黨內分裂”。隨後,他原計劃在9月17日的聯合國大會發表戰後80周年演講,外界普遍猜測可能會突破安倍時期對歷史問題的保守表述,但由於內閣阻力,這一計畫被迫推遲。
最終在9月24日的聯合國大會發言中,石破僅呼籲“避免戰爭重演”,仍未提及侵略責任。中國外交部隨即重申《中日聯合聲明》的精神,要求日本正視歷史問題,並警告類似表述可能影響中日關係。緊接著,10月9日石破正式辭職,當日中國也宣佈對日本反華議員石平實施制裁,以回應日方在臺灣及歷史問題上的挑釁行為。
至10月13日,石破以“個人見解”形式公開卸任講話,雖承認戰前日本體制失控導致戰爭,但在6000字全文中回避“侵略”與“道歉”,且講話在公佈前經歷20次修改。這種做法被外界評論為“策略性反思”,既顯示對歷史問題的部分認知,又試圖兼顧黨內右翼勢力和外交壓力,體現出石破在卸任前的微妙平衡。然而,無論是中國外交界還是國內保守派輿論,都對講話內容各自解讀,反映出歷史問題仍是中日關係中敏感而複雜的核心議題。
Former Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has recently sparked renewed controversy between China and Japan with a “personal view” statement issued ahead of his resignation. Published on October 13, 2025, the 6,000-character statement was not formally reviewed or approved by the Cabinet. In it, Ishiba focused on reflecting upon the failings of Japan’s prewar system, acknowledging that institutional breakdowns “failed to prevent the war,” yet he avoided using the term “aggression” and issued no formal apology. Observers described the statement as a form of “strategic reflection,” acknowledging historical problems while sidestepping politically sensitive language about responsibility and apologies.
However,Ishiba stated that “the Japanese government has never claimed that the war was not an act of aggression,” affirming the historical fact but still refraining from offering a formal apology on behalf of the nation. This stance drew immediate attention from Chinese media and diplomatic circles, which criticized Ishiba for recognizing the aggression yet failing to assume state responsibility. Within Japan, right-wing factions of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) also expressed strong opposition, with conservative lawmakers such as Sanae Takaichi openly questioning his position, arguing that his statements could harm Japan’s national image and party unity.
The context of the controversy dates back to earlier in 2025. On February 1, Ishiba publicly expressed his hope to “visit China at the most appropriate time,” signaling an intent to ease Japan-China tensions. However, following the LDP’s election defeats and mounting internal pressure, Ishiba announced his resignation on September 8, citing a desire to “prevent party division.” He had originally planned to deliver a speech at the United Nations General Assembly on September 17, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, which was expected to break from the more conservative historical narrative established during the Abe era, but Cabinet resistance forced a delay.
When he eventually spoke at the UN on September 24, Ishiba only urged that “war must never happen again,” again omitting any reference to Japan’s responsibility for aggression. In response, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated the principles of the China-Japan Joint Statement, calling on Japan to face its history and warning that such omissions could affect bilateral relations. On October 9, Ishiba formally stepped down as Prime Minister, the same day China announced sanctions against pro-China-opposition Japanese politician Ishihira in retaliation for Japanese provocations on Taiwan and historical issues.
On October 13, Ishiba released his resignation statement in the form of “personal views,” acknowledging that Japan’s prewar system had failed and contributed to the outbreak of war, but again avoiding the terms “aggression” and “apology.” The statement reportedly underwent 20 revisions before publication. Analysts described it as “strategic reflection,” demonstrating partial recognition of historical responsibility while balancing pressures from domestic right-wing factions and foreign diplomatic sensitivities. Nevertheless, the speech drew sharply divergent reactions both in China and Japan, underscoring that historical issues remain a highly sensitive and complex core challenge in Japan-China relations.
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