Chinese Embassy lodges solemn representations after Japanese PM sent offerings to and lawmakers visited Yasukuni Shrine

Japan's actions constitute a blatant affront to historical justice and again highlight the erroneous attitude of the Japanese government on historical issues, stated Chinese Embassy in Japan, after Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba sent a ritual offering to the war-linked Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo on Monday, while a large number of Japanese lawmakers and some deputy cabinet ministers visited the notorious shrine. China has lodged solemn representations with Japan, the embassy said on Tuesday.

The Yasukuni Shrine is a spiritual symbol and tool of Japanese militarism's war of aggression, enshrining 14 Class-A war criminals convicted of heinous crimes during World War II, the Chinese Embassy said in a statement released on Tuesday night.

According to the embassy, Japan's actions are a blatant affront to historical justice and once again underscore the erroneous attitude of the Japanese government on historical issues. China has lodged solemn representations with Japan, it added. 

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Facing its history of aggression with a correct attitude and engaging in serious reflection are crucial prerequisites for Japan's post-war reintegration into the international community, as well as the political foundation for fostering ties with its Asian neighbors, the embassy stated.

China solemnly urges Japan to honor its commitments, exercise caution in both words and deeds regarding historical issues such as the Yasukuni Shrine, completely sever ties with militarism, and adhere to the path of peaceful development through concrete actions—lest it further lose the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community, the embassy said.

The embassy's remarks came after Ishiba sent a ritual offering to the war-linked Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo on Monday and began a three-day spring festival, Japanese media outlet Kyodo News reported Monday. Also, some 70 lawmakers of both chambers of Japan's parliament on Tuesday visited the shrine during its spring festival, Jiji Press reported Tuesday.