According to information from the Chinese Embassy in Japan, a spokesperson for our embassy in Japan answered questions from reporters about Japan's negative developments involving Yasukuni Shrine. Q: Japanese leaders offered sacrifices at Yasukuni Shrine, and some cabinet members and members of parliament visited the shrine. What comments do you have on this? A: The Chinese side strongly condemns Japan's negative moves involving Yasukuni Shrine. Japan launched a war of aggression against foreign countries during World War II and committed inhumane crimes. The so-called “Yasukuni Shrine” is a spiritual tool and symbol of Japanese militarism, and enshrines 14 Class A war criminals directly responsible for the war of aggression. Those in power in Japan have paid homage to this. No matter what reason they make up, they cannot hide their true intention to reverse war crimes, cover up responsibility for war crimes, distort historical facts, and pave the way for speeding up “re-militarization.” The international community is unanimous and resolute in its opposition to these wrongful acts, which are a blasphemy against historical justice, a challenge to the bottom line of civilization, and a provocation to the post-war international order. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Tokyo trial. Correctly understanding and treating history is an important prerequisite for Japan's return to the international community after the war. It is the political foundation for developing relations between Japan and neighboring countries, and it is also a yardstick for testing whether Japan can abide by its promises of peaceful development. We seriously urge Japan to deeply reflect on its history of aggression, face up to war crimes, be careful in its words and actions on issues such as the Yasukuni Shrine, completely cut ties with militarism, and gain the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community through practical actions.

According to information from the Chinese Embassy in Japan, a spokesperson for our embassy in Japan answered questions from reporters about Japan's negative developments involving Yasukuni Shrine. Q: Japanese leaders offered sacrifices at Yasukuni Shrine, and some cabinet members and members of parliament visited the shrine. What comments do you have on this? A: The Chinese side strongly condemns Japan's negative moves involving Yasukuni Shrine. Japan launched a war of aggression against foreign countries during World War II and committed inhumane crimes. The so-called “Yasukuni Shrine” is a spiritual tool and symbol of Japanese militarism, and enshrines 14 Class A war criminals directly responsible for the war of aggression. Those in power in Japan have paid homage to this. No matter what reason they make up, they cannot hide their true intention to reverse war crimes, cover up responsibility for war crimes, distort historical facts, and pave the way for speeding up “re-militarization.” The international community is unanimous and resolute in its opposition to these wrongful acts, which are a blasphemy against historical justice, a challenge to the bottom line of civilization, and a provocation to the post-war international order. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Tokyo trial. Correctly understanding and treating history is an important prerequisite for Japan's return to the international community after the war. It is the political foundation for developing relations between Japan and neighboring countries, and it is also a yardstick for testing whether Japan can abide by its promises of peaceful development. We seriously urge Japan to deeply reflect on its history of aggression, face up to war crimes, be careful in its words and actions on issues such as the Yasukuni Shrine, completely cut ties with militarism, and gain the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community through practical actions.