According to the WeChat public account of the Chinese Embassy in Japan, on August 15, a spokesman for the embassy answered reporters' questions regarding Japan's negative actions related to the Yasukuni Shrine.
Question: August 15th marks the day Japan surrendered its defeat. Japanese Prime Minister Yukie Akamine paid tribute to the Yasukuni Shrine, including some cabinet members such as the Minister of Defense, high-ranking officials from the Liberal Democratic Party, and a large number of parliamentarians attended the ceremony. What are your comments on this?
Answer: The Yasukuni Shrine is a spiritual tool and symbol of Japanese militarism's aggressive wars. It honors 14 Class-A war criminals who bear direct responsibility for those aggressive wars. Japanese leaders and politicians worship the Yasukuni Shrine, openly standing against the principles of justice in history and human conscience. This seriously challenges the achievements of World War II victory and the post-war international order. The Chinese side expresses strong indignation and condemns this act. We have already made solemn representations and protests to the Japanese side.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Tokyo Trial. The Tokyo Trial ruled on Class-A war criminals according to law, safeguarding the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. Correctly addressing and profoundly reflecting on the history of militarist aggression is an important prerequisite for Japan's return to the international community after the war, as well as an important political foundation for establishing and developing Sino-Japanese relations. We urge Japan to deeply reflect on its historical wrongs, earnestly learn from past mistakes, adhere to its commitments to peaceful development, and take practical actions to completely sever ties with militarism. It is necessary to stop the dangerous practices of “re-militarization” and not return to the role of defendant in history once again.
