China stated that it strongly criticized Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's ritual offering to Yasukuni Shrine alongside consecutive visits by Japanese politicians, lodging stern representations. It can be said that Beijing pushed back as expected.

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A broadcast by a Chinese media outlet criticizing the fact that Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi had sent ritual offerings to Yasukuni Shrine four times this year. By sending another offering on the 19th, it marked the fifth time this year. / Shenzhen Satellite TV

According to Beijing diplomatic sources well-versed in China-Japan relations on the 20th, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning responded to related questions during a regular press briefing the previous day, stating, "China firmly opposes and strongly condemns the negative moves by the Japanese side," adding, "We have already lodged stern representations and strongly protested to the Japanese side."

She emphasized, "Yasukuni Shrine is a spiritual tool and symbol of Japanese militarism waging wars of external aggression," while also pointing out, "Fourteen Class-A war criminals bearing grave responsibility for wars of aggression are enshrined there."

She continued, "Despite knowing this, Japanese leaders and politicians still worship at Yasukuni Shrine," adding, "This reveals a deep-seated, erroneous perception of historical issues. It also amounts to exonerating war criminals. Furthermore, it clearly demonstrates Japan's sinister intention to justify wars of aggression and pursue the path of rearmament."

Highlighting that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the opening of the Tokyo Trials, which judged Japan's war crimes during World War II, Spokesperson Mao also urged, "We demand that the Japanese side face history squarely and reflect on past misdeeds. We once again sternly urge Japan to halt actions that run counter to the times on historical issues. It must earn the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community through concrete actions."

Prior to this, Prime Minister Takaichi sent a ritual offering under the prime ministerial title on the 17th to coincide with Yasukuni Shrine's autumn festival. She subsequently made an additional payment for ritual offerings using personal funds on the 19th. Given her right-leaning political stance, this appears to be an expected move. China's backlash was hardly surprising. With South Korea also protesting, one wonders whether there is a need to give serious second thought to such actions as a supreme leader.

                                                                                                           Hong Soon-do