The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Thursday urged Japan to stay prudent on historical issues such as the issue of the Yasukuni Shrine, make a clean break with militarism and stick to the path of peaceful development.

According to reports, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida made a "tamagushi" ritual offering in the capacity of the President of the Liberal Democratic Party at the Yasukuni Shrine on Thursday. Cabinet members, including Defense Minister Minoru Kihara, the Minister in charge of Regional Revitalization Yoshitaka Shindo and some members of the National Diet, paid their respects at the shrine.

In response to a related query, spokesperson Lin Jian said on Thursday that 79 years ago today, Japan accepted the Potsdam Proclamation and announced unconditional surrender.

"The Chinese people, together with the people of the world, defeated the Japanese militarist aggressors and fascism," said Lin, adding that it was a decisive battle between justice and evil, light and darkness, and progress and reaction.

"This great victory, a historic moment, deserves to be remembered by the world," he said.

Lin said the Yasukuni Shrine, where World War II Class-A war criminals are honored, is a spiritual tool and symbol of the wars of aggression waged by Japanese militarists.

What some Japanese political leaders did on the issue of the Yasukuni Shrine once again reveals an erroneous attitude toward historical issues, he said, adding that the Chinese side has lodged serious protests with the Japanese side and stated its just position.

Facing up to and deeply reflecting on the history of aggression is an essential prerequisite for Japan to establish and develop friendship and cooperation with its Asian neighbors after World War II, he said.

"We emphasize the need to remember the lessons of history not to continue hatred but to use history as a mirror, uphold peace and look to the future," Lin noted.

He said China urges Japan to honor its commitment to recognizing and reflecting on its history of aggression and take concrete actions to earn the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community.