BEIJING, (Xinhua): China on Monday urged Japan to deeply reflect on its history of aggression and be prudent on major historical issues such as the Yasukuni Shrine.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks at a regular news briefing in response to recent remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding the Yasukuni Shrine issue.
Lin stated that the Yasukuni Shrine serves as a spiritual tool and symbol of Japanese militarism in waging foreign aggression, and it honors 14 convicted Class-A war criminals with grave responsibility for their country’s war crimes.
Noting that the nature of the Yasukuni Shrine issue lies in whether Japan can face up to and reflect deeply on its history of militarist aggression, he said this issue bears on human conscience, the political foundation of China-Japan relations and the credibility of Japan as a nation.
“Amnesia of history means betrayal, and denial of responsibility spells relapse,” Lin said.
“This year marks the 80th anniversary of the beginning of the Tokyo Trials. In such a special year, Japan in particular needs to face squarely and reflect on its history of aggression, be prudent on major historical issues such as the Yasukuni Shrine, avoid repeating history and make a clean break with militarism with real actions,” Lin added.
