China blasts Japanese officials’ visit to Yasukuni Shrine on WWII anniversary

China has "issued a vehement condemnation" of Japanese officials who visited the contentious Yasukuni Shrine and made an offering on the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II. The Chinese foreign ministry lodged a formal protest following the visit by Japanese Defence Chief Shinjiro Koizumi on Saturday. Beijing and numerous Asian nations perceive the shrine as emblematic of Japanese militarism.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, although she did not visit the site herself, presented a ritual offering at the shrine. Additionally, Japanese Economic and Fiscal Policy Minister Minoru Kiuchi, Economic Security Minister Kimi Onoda, and state minister Hitoshi Kikawada also paid their respects at the shrine. The Chinese foreign ministry stated, "During World War II, Japan launched wars of external aggression and committed atrocious crimes.

The so-called Yasukuni Shrine is a spiritual instrument and symbol of Japanese militarism." It emphasized that the 14 Class-A war criminals enshrined there were the primary perpetrators of the war of aggression. The ministry highlighted that no matter the justification, Japanese politicians cannot conceal their true intent – to rehabilitate war criminals, evade accountability, distort historical records, and facilitate a resurgence of militarization.

The ministry noted that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the Tokyo Trial's inception and emphasized that a proper comprehension and treatment of history is a crucial foundation for Japan's reintegration into the global community and its relations with neighboring countries. The ministry decried visiting and paying homage to the shrine as "an affront to historical justice" and a provocation to the post-war international order.

It urged Japan to introspect on its aggressive past, abandon militarism, and earn the confidence of its Asian neighbors and the international community through tangible actions.