China’s Foreign Ministry on Aug. 17 condemned Japanese prime minister Takaichi’s
Aug. 15 memorial speech and said her actions risked whitewashing wartime
aggression. Spokesman Lin Jian said Takaichi avoided reflecting on past crimes
and blurred responsibility while making offerings to a shrine honoring convicted
war criminals on Japan’s surrender anniversary. Visits by Japan’s defense
minister and other senior officials to the shrine have, the ministry said,
heightened vigilance among Asian neighbors and the international community.
China again urged Japanese leaders to heed domestic and international criticism,
deeply reflect on wartime wrongs and fully sever ties with militarism.
