China has issued a forceful condemnation of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's ritual offering to Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine this week, describing the gesture as an affront to historical justice and a threat to regional stability. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun labeled the shrine a 'spiritual tool of militarism' during Tuesday's press briefing, escalating diplomatic friction between Asia's two largest economies.
The controversial shrine, which enshrines 14 Class-A WWII war criminals among its honorees, remains a flashpoint in East Asian relations. Guo emphasized that Japanese leaders' persistent tributes – including Takaichi's symbolic 'masakaki' offering on April 21 – represent a 'provocation to all nations victimized by Japanese aggression.'
This year's dispute emerges eight decades after WWII's conclusion, with Beijing arguing that Tokyo continues to evade historical accountability. Analysts note the timing coincides with heightened competition in semiconductor trade and maritime security negotiations across the Asia-Pacific region.
While Japan maintains the shrine honors all war dead, Chinese officials argue it glorifies colonial occupation and aggression. The Foreign Ministry confirmed lodging formal protests through diplomatic channels, urging Japan to 'properly handle sensitive historical issues' to preserve bilateral relations.
