China "strongly condemns and strongly protests" the dedication of tribute to Yasukuni Takaichi.

(Beijing = Yonhap News) Correspondent Jong-gu Han = The Chinese government strongly criticized Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's offering of tributes to the Yasukuni Shrine and the subsequent visits by Japanese politicians and announced that it had sternly protested to Japan.

In response to a related question at a regular briefing on the 19th, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maoning said, "China firmly opposes and strongly condemns Japan's negative moves," and added, "We have already submitted strict negotiations (protests through diplomatic channels) to Japan and strongly protested."

Spokesperson Mao pointed out, “Yasukuni Shrine is a spiritual tool and symbol that Japanese militarism unleashed a war of aggression against foreign countries,” and “14 class A war criminals who were significantly responsible for the war of aggression are enshrined here.”

He continued, "Japanese leaders and politicians still worship Yasukuni Shrine despite knowing this fact," and criticized, "This reveals a deep-rooted misconception about historical issues and an insidious intention to exonerate war criminals, justify wars of aggression, and take the path of rearmament."

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

He said, “We once again strictly demand that Japan face history face-to-face, reflect on its past mistakes, and stop acting against the times in historical issues,” and urged, “We must earn the trust of our Asian neighbors and the international community through practical actions.”

Previously, Prime Minister Takaichi dedicated an offering in the name of the Prime Minister in accordance with the Yasukuni Shrine's fall annual festival on the 17th, and on this day, he additionally donated the price of the offering at his own expense.