CRI听力:Kono Statement Review Mirrors Japan's Attempt to Deny Crime of Aggression

The Chinese government is blasting the Japanese government's so-called "review" of its previous apology for sexual slavery during World War II.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying.

"Forcing women to be sexual slavery committed by Japanese Imperial Army during the World War II was a serious anti-human crime against people in victimized countries in Asia. The ironclad evidence is irrefutable. Japan's so-called review further exposes its unwillingness to face up to history, and even its real intention to downplay or deny the crime of aggression."

The statement follows a review of the so-called Kono Statement by the Japanese cabinet of Shinzo Abe, which has determined the Kono apology was influenced by politicians in South Korea.

The Kono Statement, issued by then Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yohei Kono in 1993, is Japan's official acknoledgement that its military enslaved some 200-thousand women during the war as sex slaves.

The review of the statement has also created anger in South Korea, with Japan's ambassador in Seoul being summoned to answer for the review.

Vice foreign minister Cho Tae-yong.

"The more Abe's government tries to scratch the Kono Statement, it needs to know that there will be damage on the credibility of Abe's government and its international reputation."

The South Korean government has continued to demand the Japanese government issue a formal apology to the surviving comfort women, and is continuing to demand reparations for them.