China News Service, August 15. According to the official WeChat account of the Chinese Embassy in Japan on the 15th, the spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in Japan answered reporters' questions about the Yasukuni Shrine.
Q: Before and after "8.15", Japanese cabinet members and some members of Congress visited the Yasukuni Shrine. It was also reported that Japanese leaders offered sacrifices to the Yasukuni Shrine. What is the comment of the Chinese Embassy in Japan on this?
A: The Yasukuni Shrine is an important symbol of the war of aggression launched by Japanese militarism. It enshrines the Class A war criminals who are responsible, and promotes the wrong historical view of World War II.
Japan's negative move on the Yasukuni Shrine issue concerns international justice and historical justice, as well as the dignity and feelings of the people of the victimized Asian countries.
The Chinese side expresses strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to this wrong move, and has lodged solemn representations with the Japanese side.
China has repeatedly stressed that Japan must take history as a mirror, correctly understand and deeply reflect on the history of aggression in the past, and make a clean break with militarism. Only in this way can Japan truly win the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community, and can face the future with a responsible attitude.
We urge the Japanese side to abide by the statements and commitments it has made so far on historical issues, stop all behaviors that glorify the war of aggression and distort historical understanding, and take concrete actions to reflect the attitude of remembering historical lessons and insisting on peaceful development.
Image source: Screenshot of the official WeChat account of the Chinese Embassy in Japan.