China has slammed Japanese politicians for paying respects to Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine, calling it a “grave challenge to historical justice” amid rising regional tensions. 🇨🇳 The move comes on August 15 – the anniversary of Japan’s WWII surrender – as PM Shigeru Ishiba and multiple cabinet members sent offerings or visited the controversial site.
🔥 Why it matters: The shrine honors 14 Class-A war criminals linked to Japan’s wartime atrocities. China’s Foreign Ministry called it a “spiritual tool of militarism,” urging Tokyo to “reflect on its aggression” and prioritize peace. This year marks 80 years since WWII’s end, adding symbolic weight to the dispute.
💬 Straight from Beijing: “Japan must make a clean break with militarism,” a ministry spokesperson declared, emphasizing that confronting history is key to rebuilding trust with Asian neighbors. China has lodged formal protests over the visits.
🌏 Bigger picture: The shrine remains a lightning rod in East Asia, reopening old wounds between Japan and countries like China and South Korea. With geopolitical rivalries heating up, this latest clash shows how WWII’s legacy still shapes modern diplomacy.
