Multiple members of Japan’s cabinet and senior officials of the Liberal Democratic Party visited the Yasukuni Shrine. The Chinese Embassy in Japan criticized this behavior as a serious challenge to the post-war international order.
According to Xinhua News Agency, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Japan stated on Saturday (August 15) that the actions by the Japanese side seriously challenge the achievements of victory in World War II and the post-war international order. The Chinese side expresses strong indignation and stern condemnation at this, and has lodged solemn representations and strong protest with the Japanese side.
The spokesperson said that Yasukuni Shrine is a spiritual tool and symbol used by Japanese militarism to launch wars of aggression, and it enshrines 14 Class-A war criminals who bear direct responsibility for those wars. The Japanese officials’ actions openly stand in opposition to historical justice and human conscience, seriously challenging the victories of World War II and the post-war international order.
The spokesperson further said that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the opening of the Tokyo Trials. The Tokyo Trials delivered verdicts on Class-A war criminals in accordance with law and defended the achievements of the world’s anti-fascist war. A correct attitude toward and deep reflection on the history of militarist aggression is an important prerequisite for Japan’s post-war return to the international community and also an important political foundation for building and developing China-Japan relations. The Chinese side urges Japan to deeply reflect on its historical crimes, earnestly draw lessons from history, strictly adhere to its commitment to peaceful development, cut all ties with militarism through practical actions, stop dangerous moves toward “remilitarization,” and avoid once again becoming a defendant in history.
On Saturday, Japan marked the 81st anniversary of the end of World War II, with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reaffirming that Japan will absolutely not let war recur and is committed to becoming a nation that values peace. However, in her address, she made no mention of reflection on World War II.
Takaichi had previously promised conservatives that she would visit Yasukuni Shrine on the anniversary of the war’s end each year, even if she became prime minister. However, this year, out of consideration for diplomatic impact, she decided not to visit the shrine herself, instead having Liberal Democratic Party Secretary-General Toshio Suzuki make an offering of “tamagushiryo” (ritual fee) to the Yasukuni Shrine on her behalf.
On the same day, Suzuki, together with LDP General Council Chairperson Haruko Arimura and Election Strategy Committee Chairman Yasutoshi Nishimura, visited the Yasukuni Shrine. Other cabinet ministers who visited the shrine included Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, Minister of State for Okinawa and Northern Territories Affairs Hitoshi Hikawada, Minister of State for Economic and Fiscal Policy Naomasa Aijonai, and Minister in Charge of Economic Security Kimi Onoda.