The Chinese government strongly criticized Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's ritual offering to the Yasukuni Shrine and the successive visits by Japanese politicians, announcing that it has lodged a serious protest with the Japanese side.

During a regular press briefing today (October 19), Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning responded to related questions by stating, "China firmly opposes and strongly condemns the negative moves by the Japanese side," adding, "We have already lodged solemn representations and strong protests with Japan."

Mao pointed out, "The Yasukuni Shrine is a spiritual tool and symbol of Japanese militarism's launch of wars of external aggression, and it enshrines 14 Class-A war criminals who bore grave responsibility for the aggressive wars."

She continued, "Japanese leaders and politicians continue to worship at the Yasukuni Shrine despite knowing these facts," criticizing that "this reveals a deeply rooted erroneous perception of historical issues, an attempt to grant absolution to war criminals, justify aggressive wars, and harbor sinister intentions of walking the path of rearmament."

Mao also emphasized that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the opening of the Tokyo Trials, which judged Japan's war crimes during World War II.

She urged, "We once again sternly demand that the Japanese side face up to history, reflect on its past wrongs, and halt actions that run counter to the times on historical issues," adding, "It must win the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community through concrete actions."

Earlier, Prime Minister Takaichi sent ritual offerings in the name of the prime minister on October 17 coinciding with the shrine's autumn festival, and additionally offered ritual payments out of her own pocket today.

(Photo provided by the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Yonhap News)