On August 15, Japan’s day of unconditional surrender in World War II, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba sent ritual offerings to Yasukuni Shrine, while Ministers Shinjiro Koizumi and Katsunobu Kato and rightwing politicians Takayuki Kobayashi and Koichi Hagiuda visited the controversial site 🏯. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the move, calling it "a gross challenge to historical justice" and lodging a serious protest.
The Yasukuni Shrine honors 14 convicted Class-A war criminals responsible for wartime atrocities. For China, the shrine represents more than a religious site—it’s a symbol of militarist aggression against foreign nations.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. China’s spokesperson stressed that a correct view of history is vital for Japan’s peaceful development and healthy relations with its neighbors.
China urged Japan to face its past squarely, break from militarism, and take real steps toward peace to earn the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community 🌏🤝.
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China deplores Japanese politicians paying respects to Yasukuni Shrine
cgtn.com
