The Chinese government strongly protested today against Japanese politicians' visits to the Yasukuni Shrine and the Prime Minister's offering of ritual fees, calling it a "provocation against the post-war international order."

In a Q&A-style spokesperson statement released today, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to a request for comment on Japanese politicians visiting the Yasukuni Shrine—which enshrines Class-A war criminals—and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi offering ritual fees, stating, "We strongly condemn Japan's negative actions and have lodged solemn representations and strong criticisms with Japan."

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs pointed out, "During World War II, Japan launched a war of aggression and committed heinous crimes," adding, "The Yasukuni Shrine is the spiritual tool and symbol of Japanese militarism."

It continued, "No excuse can hide the true intent to overturn the verdict on war criminals, cover up Japan's war crimes, distort historical facts, and pave the way for accelerated rearmament," criticizing it as "an insult to historical justice, a challenge to the basic norms of civilization, and a provocation against the post-war international order."

Emphasizing that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the International Military Tribunal for the Far East (the Tokyo Trials), the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed, "Correctly understanding and handling history is an essential prerequisite for Japan's return to the post-war international community," adding, "It is a political foundation for developing relations with neighboring countries and an important yardstick to gauge whether Japan adheres to peaceful development."

It added, "We urge the Japanese side to seriously reflect on its history of aggression, thoroughly sever ties with militarism, and win the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community through concrete actions."

For Japan, August 15 marks the anniversary of its defeat in WWII, on which visits to the Yasukuni Shrine have traditionally taken place. In her first year as prime minister, Takaichi only offered ritual fees in her capacity as president of the Liberal Democratic Party.

However, Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and several other cabinet ministers visited the Yasukuni Shrine, marking the seventh consecutive year that incumbent Japanese cabinet ministers have done so.

Key officials of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party also made a rare group visit to the Yasukuni Shrine.