China condemns Japan's negative moves concerning Yasukuni Shrine

BEIJING, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- China firmly opposes and strongly condemns Japan's negative moves concerning the Yasukuni Shrine, and has lodged stern representations and strong protests with the Japanese side, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said Monday.

Illustration: Xinhua

Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks at a daily media briefing in Beijing after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sent a ritual offering and monetary donation to the Yasukuni Shrine on Oct. 17 and 19, while multiple Japanese government officials, senior officials of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and parliamentarians paid visits to the site recently.

Mao stressed that the Yasukuni Shrine is a spiritual tool and symbol of Japanese militarists responsible for the war of aggression, and the place honors 14 convicted Class-A war criminals with grave responsibilities for the war crimes committed during that war of aggression.

"The Japanese leaders and politicians are fully aware of these facts, yet they still pay tribute to the Yasukuni Shrine in a high-sounding manner. Such acts lay bare their deep-rooted erroneous perceptions on historical issues, as well as their sinister attempt to exonerate war criminals, reverse the verdict on aggression and pave the way for remilitarization," Mao said.

Noting this year marks 80 years of the opening of the Tokyo Trials, the spokesperson once again solemnly urged Japan to face up to history, reflect on its crimes, stop retrogressive acts on historical issues, and win trust from its Asian neighbors and the international community with concrete actions.