New Zealand axes comfort women statue plan

New Zealand has scrapped plans to erect a statue commemorating the 'comfort women' forced into sexual slavery by the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II, following a formal protest from Japan. The proposed statue in Auckland had drawn criticism from Japanese officials who argued it would damage bilateral relations. The decision has sparked debate in New Zealand, with human rights groups condemning the move as a capitulation to diplomatic pressure. Japan has long sought to minimize international recognition of the comfort women issue, which remains a source of tension with several Asian countries.