Beijing has issued a sharp diplomatic rebuke against Tokyo following a visit by Japanese lawmakers to the Yasukuni Shrine, a site China views as a stark symbol of Japan's past militarism. In April 2026, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian expressed "strong indignation and stern condemnation" over what he described as a "series of negative moves" by Japan concerning the shrine.
The spokesperson made the remarks at a regular press briefing on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, directly responding to the actions of the Japanese legislators. The Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo honors Japan's war dead, including 14 convicted Class-A war criminals from World War II. For China and other nations that suffered under Japanese occupation and aggression during the war, official visits to the shrine are seen as an attempt to whitewash history and glorify militarism.
"Such moves gravely violate the historical justice of the international community," Lin stated, emphasizing that the shrine is a symbol of the country's past aggression. The latest condemnation comes amid an ongoing diplomatic effort by Beijing to urge Japan to face its wartime history with sincerity.
Analysts note that visits to the shrine by Japanese politicians have long been a recurring source of tension in East Asian diplomacy, frequently eliciting strong reactions from the Chinese mainland and the Republic of Korea. These actions complicate efforts to build mutual trust and stable regional relations. The incident this week underscores the persistent sensitivity of historical issues and their direct impact on contemporary political dynamics in Asia.
For global observers and business professionals with interests in Asia, such diplomatic friction highlights the complex undercurrents that can influence economic cooperation and geopolitical stability in the region. The Chinese Foreign Ministry's statement reinforces Beijing's consistent position on the issue, calling on Japan to reflect on its history and take concrete actions to uphold peace.
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China condemns Japan's negative moves concerning Yasukuni Shrine
cgtn.com
