On the 17th, the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement in the name of its spokesperson, expressing deep disappointment and regret over Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's offering of ritual items to the Yasukuni Shrine and the visit to the shrine by senior members of the Japanese government.
The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged Japan's responsible leadership to face up to history and to demonstrate humble reflection and sincere remorse over historical issues with concrete actions. The South Korean government reiterated that this is the important foundation for building a future-oriented Korea-Japan relationship based on trust between the two countries and peoples.
Yasukuni Shrine began holding its three-day autumn festival on the 17th. On that day, Shigeru Ishiba, in the capacity of Prime Minister, offered a ritual item called "Masakaki" to the shrine. LDP President Sanae Takaichi offered a "Tamagushiryo" (ceremonial fee), and other LDP senior officials, including LDP General Council Chairwoman Haruko Arimura and Election Strategy Chief Keiji Furuya, visited the shrine.
● China Urges Japan to Face Up to and Reflect on Its Aggressive History
Meanwhile, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it firmly opposes Japan's negative moves regarding Yasukuni Shrine and has lodged stern representations in Tokyo, urging Japan to face up to and reflect on its history of aggression.
At a regular press conference on the 17th, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized that Yasukuni Shrine is a spiritual tool and symbol of Japanese militarism's wars of external aggression, enshrining 14 Class-A war criminals responsible for major war crimes.
Lin Jian stated that China firmly opposes Japan's negative moves regarding Yasukuni Shrine and has lodged stern representations in Tokyo. He said: "We urge the Japanese side to face up to and reflect on its history of aggression, act prudently on issues such as Yasukuni Shrine, make a clean break with militarism, adhere to the path of peaceful development, and win the trust of Asian neighbors and the international community with concrete actions."