However, two months later in Tokyo, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested in Japan's parliament a possible military intervention in Taiwan in the event of what she called a "survival-threatening situation".

Beijing voiced strong protests over Takaichi's Nov 7 remarks, but so far Tokyo has failed to retract the comments as requested by China.

Countries including Russia and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea blasted Japan over the statement and its hasty decision seeking the lifting of constitutional restrictions on a military buildup.

On Dec 15, the Foreign Ministry announced sanctions on Shigeru Iwasaki, a former chief of the Joint Staff of the Japan Self-Defense Forces who is serving as a consultant for Taiwan authorities, for him "colluding with 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces".

While people around the world were drawing lessons from history in a year of special significance, "Japan, the country that had started the war of aggression against China, again failed to express deep remorse for the crimes it had committed", Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in a year-end speech on Dec 30.

"Even worse, Japan's current leader publicly challenged China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, challenged the historical verdict of World War II, and challenged the post-war international order. This is totally unacceptable to all countries that love peace and all people who do not want the repetition of past tragedies," he added.

Lan Jianxue, director of the Department for Asia-Pacific Studies at the China Institute of International Studies, said China's diplomatic efforts last year mainly focused on two aspects — highlighting China's unique historical contribution to world peace and justice, and its support for the global community's efforts in championing the postwar international order.

"What happened after Takaichi's parliament remarks on Taiwan serves as a clear reminder of the demanding task for us to keep the postwar order from being sabotaged," he said.