China, South Korea Condemn Yasukuni Visits by Japanese Officials on 81st WWII Anniversary
Updated
Updated · Al Jazeera English · Aug 15
China, South Korea Condemn Yasukuni Visits by Japanese Officials on 81st WWII Anniversary
3 articles · Updated · Al Jazeera English · Aug 15
Summary
Beijing and Seoul rebuked Japanese leaders after Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi visited Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sent an offering on the 81st anniversary of Japan’s surrender.
China said it had lodged strong protests, while South Korea expressed deep regret and urged Japan’s leaders to show humble reflection and sincere remorse through actions.
The shrine enshrines about 2.5 million war dead, including 14 Class A war criminals added in 1978, making official visits a recurring flashpoint over Japan’s wartime record.
Takaichi did not enter the shrine but paid tribute from about 200 metres away, as Japan’s neighbors still view such gestures as evidence Tokyo has not fully atoned for colonial-era atrocities.