China voices opposition, dissatisfaction on Abe cabinet members' shrine visit

BEIJING - China on Saturday voiced "firm opposition and strong dissatisfaction" as three Japanese cabinet ministers visited the Yasukuni Shrine on the day marking Japan's surrender in WWII.

"The Yasukuni Shrine is a symbol of the invasion war launched by Japanese militarists. The ministers visited the shrine that honors Class-A convicted criminals of WWII and whitewashes the invasion war on such a day when Japanese militarists announced unconditional surrender in WWII. It embodies again the wrong attitude the Japanese side holds on historical issues," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying.

Haruko Arimura, who is in charge of women's empowerment, Sanae Takaichi, internal affairs minister, and Eriko Yamatani, disaster management minister, paid homage to the shrine on Saturday.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also sent his aide, Koichi Hagiuda, to make a ritual offering to the shrine as leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on Saturday morning, one day after he made a statement to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of WWII, which was accused of lacking sincere apology.

Hua said this year marks the 70th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the victory of WWII, which is also an important time for the international community to review the history and map out the future.

"Only when Japan faces up to and deeply reflects the invasion history, draw a line with the militarism, can it unload the historical burden and face the future," Hua noted.

She urged Japan to implement its solemn statement and commitment to China and the international community on historical issues with real actions and properly handle relevant issues, so as to regain trust from its Asian neighbors and the international community.