Tensions between China and Japan have intensified following recent actions by Japanese officials related to the Yasukuni Shrine, a site that commemorates Japan's war dead but is controversial due to its association with World War II militarism. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned visits and ritual offerings to the shrine by Japanese politicians, including Prime Minister Ishiba, describing these acts as a blatant challenge to historical justice and human conscience. China has lodged stern protests and expressed "strong dissatisfaction," warning Japan to be prudent on historical issues and to break away from militarism. These developments have also affected diplomatic engagements, with China canceling a scheduled agricultural ministerial meeting with Japan and potentially impacting future high-level dialogues. The situation coincides with the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, during which Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged Japan to "make the right choice" and learn from history. Japan's role as a promoter of peace is being tested amid these renewed historical disputes.
#Beijing strongly criticized senior Japanese officials' sending a ritual offering to or visiting the #YasukuniShrine, saying such actions grossly challenged historical justice and human conscience. #Japan https://t.co/R5hoAIqtFV https://t.co/pfjtU1AcAA
China deplores Japanese politicians paying respects to Yasukuni Shrine https://t.co/tzan4NkBur
Japan's hard-won status as peace promoter tested 80 yrs after WWII https://t.co/51x6XR4gWb