China condemns Japanese tribute to war criminals at Yasukuni Shrine

China has complained to Japan after Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba sent a ritual offering to a controversial shrine that honours war criminals on the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender.

The Chinese foreign ministry expressed “strong dissatisfaction” about the “blatant provocation against historical justice and human conscience”, referring to the visit to the Yasukuni Shrine by several cabinet members.

“To view and treat history correctly is an important prerequisite for Japan’s post-war return to the international community and the political foundation for its relations with neighbouring countries,” the statement said.

“We urge Japan to face and deeply reflect on its history of aggression, act cautiously on issues such as the Yasukuni Shrine, and completely sever ties with militarism.

Ishiba did not visit the shrine, but sent a religious ornament. However, several politicians from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, as well as members of the extreme nationalist Sanseito Party (Japan First), went there in person.

Those visiting included Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato and Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi.

Hiroshi Moriyama, the number two figure in the ruling Liberal Democrat party, also visited the shrine on Thursday.