China urges Japan to squarely face up to invasion history

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China on Wednesday firmly opposed recent actions by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, urging Japan to squarely face up to and earnestly reflect upon its history of aggression.

The remarks were made by foreign ministry spokesperson Lu Kang at a daily press briefing when asked to comment on Abe sending ritual offerings to Yasukuni Shrine earlier that day.

The Japanese leader did not visit the notorious shrine in person. He is on an overseas trip to Europe and will attend the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) summit in Belgium.

The Yasukuni Shrine honors Class-A Japanese war criminals from World War II who were directly responsible for its past aggression, Lu said, adding that China always firmly opposes Japan's war-related wrongdoings.

"We urge Japan to squarely face up to and reflect upon its invasion history, and win trust from its Asian neighbors and the international community through concrete actions," Lu added.

Visits and ritual offerings made in person or by proxy to the infamous shrine by Japanese leaders and officials have consistently sparked strong criticism from China, South Korea and other countries brutalized by Japan during World War II.

Abe has sent a ritual offering to Yasukuni Shrine during the shrine's spring and autumn festivals every year since the start of his current administration in 2012.

The Japanese prime minister last visited the controversial shrine in person in December 2013, at which time he was strongly condemned by China and South Korea, as well as the United States, who said at the time it was disappointed with Abe's decision.

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency