China urges Japan to face up to, reflect on its history of aggression

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China urges Japan to face up to, reflect on its history of aggression

People visit the controversial Yasukuni Shrine on the first day of the spring festival in Tokyo on April 21, 2022. KAZUHIRO NOGI AFP BEIJING -- China urged Japan to honor its statement of and commitment to face up to and reflect on its history of aggression and make a clean break with militarism.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Wang Wenbin made the remarks after Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida sent a ritual offering Thursday to the Yasukuni Shrine. A cross-party group of lawmakers is scheduled to visit Yasukuni on Friday, according to the media.

In a press briefing, Wang said that Japan's negative moves once again reflect its erroneous attitude toward its history of aggression.

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In the Yasukuni Shrine, where World War II Class-A war criminals are honored, is a spiritual tool and symbol of the Japanese war of aggression, Wang said. China firmly rejects, sternly condemns this and has lodged stern representations with the Japanese side.

China urged the Japanese side to honour its statement of and commitment to face up to and reflect on its history of aggression, make a clean break with militarism and win the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community through concrete actions, Wang said.