Beyond 35 Million Victims: The Path for Hong Kong Japan Diplomatic Reconciliation 2026

Can a nation mourn 35 million lives while building a shared future? After attending a memorial for the Nanking Massacre, Bernard Chan argued that remembering history's darkest moments doesn't preclude engagement. Instead, he believes the lessons of the past should strengthen the commitment to peace between Hong Kong and Japan.

Hong Kong Japan Diplomatic Reconciliation 2026: Facing the Pain

The scale of the tragedy is enormous. Government figures estimate that Chinese casualties during World War II exceeded 35 million, with 21 million lives lost since December 13, 1937. Chan noted that for many, recalling these atrocities is an act of empathy. However, he emphasized that this painful history shouldn't become a barrier to the future. He shared his own experience of balancing this duality—mourning the past while maintaining close Japanese business ties.

A Legacy of Courageous Cooperation

Reconciliation isn't about forgetting; it's about the courage to move forward. Chan cited his father's and grandfathers' generations as examples. They recognized that the path to prosperity lay in cooperation, not isolation. By engaging with Japan, the region has transformed from a theater of war into a global economic hub, proving that historical remembrance and diplomatic progress can coexist.