Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba sent a ritual offering to the shrine in Tokyo, and several senior members of his government went there in person
China has complained to Japan after Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba sent a ritual offering to a controversial shrine that honours war criminals on the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender.
The Chinese foreign ministry expressed “strong dissatisfaction” about the “blatant provocation against historical justice and human conscience”, referring to the visit to the Yasukuni Shrine by several cabinet members.
“To view and treat history correctly is an important prerequisite for Japan’s post-war return to the international community and the political foundation for its relations with neighbouring countries,” the statement said.
“We urge Japan to face and deeply reflect on its history of aggression, act cautiously on issues such as the Yasukuni Shrine, and completely sever ties with militarism.
