China has called on Japan to adopt a "prudent" approach to historical issues, including its controversial Yasukuni Shrine visits, amid renewed diplomatic friction. The appeal came after Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba sent an offering to the Tokyo shrine, which honors 14 convicted Class-A WWII war criminals among other war dead.
A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Japan emphasized Friday that August 15 marks 80 years since Japan accepted the Potsdam Declaration and surrendered unconditionally, ending its militarist aggression. "The Chinese people, alongside global allies, achieved a historic victory for justice and peace," the spokesperson stated, while criticizing what they called ongoing attempts by "some forces in Japan" to whitewash wartime atrocities.
The shrine visits, a recurring flashpoint in East Asian relations, have drawn sharp rebukes from China and other nations that suffered under Japanese occupation. Analysts suggest such gestures complicate Tokyo's efforts to build trust with neighbors amid shifting regional security dynamics.
"Japan's attitude toward history remains the cornerstone of its postwar international rehabilitation," the spokesperson added, noting this year's anniversary underscores the need for "concrete actions" to distance from militarism. The statement reflects broader concerns about historical revisionism affecting Asia's geopolitical landscape.
