China seriously protested against Japan for the offering of its prime minister and officials to the famous Yasukuni Shrine, urging Japan to permanently break with militarism.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Thursday sent a ritual offering to the questionable Yasukuni Shrine, marking the 79th anniversary of Japan’s unconditional support in World War II.
Cabinet officials including Defense Minister Minoru Kihara and Yoshitaka Shindo, the head of economic revitalization, as well as several lawmakers in Tokyo.
“This and our offer reflect a new attitude across the Japanese side towards old issues,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Thursday, adding that Beijing had made serious representations to Tokyo.
“The Yasukuni Shrine, which honors 14 Japanese Class A war criminals from World War II, is a spiritual tool and a symbol of Japanese militarism and its invasion of foreign countries,” Lin said.
Properly processing and deeply reflecting on its history of aggression is a prerequisite for Japan to identify and expand friendship and cooperation with its Asian neighbors after World War II, Lin said.
Remembering history classes is not about perpetuating hate but about learning history classes and keeping peace.
Lin suggested that Japan fulfill its commitment to acknowledge and reflect on its history of aggression and remain wary of long-standing issues such as the Yasukuni Shrine issue.
Japan deserves to follow the path of non-violent progress to gain acceptance from its Asian neighbors and foreign network through concrete actions, he added.