On Oct. 19 Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing lodged
stern representations and strong protests with Tokyo over actions relating to
Yasukuni Shrine. Mao called Yasukuni a symbol of Japanese militarism that
enshrines 14 Class‑A war criminals, accused Japanese leaders of continued shrine
visits that reflect entrenched historical revisionism and an intent to absolve
war criminals, whitewash aggression and pave the way for remilitarization, and
demanded Japan acknowledge history, reflect on wartime crimes and stop
backsliding — urging concrete steps to reassure Asian neighbors and the
international community on the 80th anniversary of the Tokyo trials.
