In a statement on Friday, the Chinese mainland urged Japan to reflect on its history of aggression and exercise prudence over visits to the Yasukuni Shrineāan institution that honors convicted Class-A Japanese war criminals from World War II.
The remarks came from a spokesperson at the Chinese embassy in Japan, responding to Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's recent offering at the shrine. The visit has reignited debates across Asia, where many view the shrine as a symbol of unresolved wartime legacy.
Marking 80 years since Japan accepted the Potsdam Declaration and formally surrendered, the spokesperson highlighted how the defeat of militarism and fascism represented "the triumph of justice over evil, light over darkness and progress over reaction." Yet, some forces in Japan continue to whitewash and deny past aggression, the spokesperson warned, calling such acts "despicable and self-humiliating."
According to the Chinese mainland, these tributes to the Yasukuni Shrine reflect a lingering attachment to militarism and risk eroding trust with Asian neighbors and the international community. The statement stressed that Japan's correct understanding of its history is key to rebuilding its post-war international standing and developing sound relations with neighboring countries.
As regional tensions evolve, calls for historical reflection and concrete steps toward peaceful development resonate across Asia and beyond. Observers say that acknowledging past mistakes could pave the way for stronger cooperation on security, trade and cultural exchangeāissues central to the interests of young global citizens, entrepreneurs and travelers alike.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
