October 19th, Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning presided over a regular press conference.
Some journalists have asked questions. On October 17th and 19th, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihida Koami offered sacrifices and paid temple fees at the Yasukuni Shrine. Recently, several Japanese government officials, Liberal Democratic Party leaders, and members of the parliament also visited the Yasukuni Shrine. What are China's comments on this?
Mao Ning stated that China firmly opposes and strongly condemns the negative actions of Japan. China has made formal representations and protests to Japan.
Mao Ning pointed out that the Yasukuni Shrine is a spiritual tool and symbol of Japanese militarism's aggressive wars abroad. It honors 14 class-A war criminals who bear serious responsibilities for those aggressive wars. Japanese leaders and politicians are well aware of this, yet they still pay homage to the shrine, revealing their deep-rooted misconceptions about historical issues. This also reveals their sinister intentions to exonerate war criminals, to reverse the consequences of aggression, and to pave the way for renewed militarization.
Mao Ning emphasized that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the Tokyo Trials. We once again solemnly request the Japanese side to face history squarely, reflect on their wrongdoings, stop acting in a way that contradicts historical facts, and take concrete actions to earn the trust of Asian neighbors and the international community.
According to a report by the Japanese Kyodo News on October 19th, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihida Koichi paid 'offering money' (sacrificial fees) at the Yasukuni Shrine on the 19th, in honor of the war criminals from World War II.
During the autumn festival held at the Japanese Yasukuni Shrine from the 17th to the 19th, Mie was not present to pay respects. However, on the 17th, she had already presented a sacrifice called "Chinjaku" to the Yasukuni Shrine in her capacity as "Cabinet Minister".
