China slams Japanese PM's remarks evading reflection on historical lessons

China slammed Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's address at the National Memorial Ceremony for the War Dead on Monday, saying her remarks shunned reflection on historical lessons and blurred Japan's responsibility for its acts of aggression. The Foreign Ministry urged the Japanese authorities to listen to the voices of justice and make a clean break with militarism.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian made the remarks at a regular news briefing following Takaichi's speech at the ceremony held in Tokyo on Saturday.

Takaichi shunned reflection on historical lessons in her address, and blurred the war crimes of aggression, Lin said. "This once again exposes the sinister attempt of the Takaichi administration to cover up, distort and reverse the verdict on Japan's history of aggression, which has drawn strong condemnation and widespread opposition from all parties."

On the day marking Japan's defeat and surrender, Takaichi made a monetary offering to the "shrine honoring war criminals", while Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and other senior officials went to pay homage in person, Lin noted, adding that such moves have further heightened the vigilance of Asian neighbors and the international community over Japan's future trajectory.

"We once again urge the Japanese authorities to listen earnestly to the voices of justice from within Japan and the international community, deeply reflect on their war crimes, and make a complete break with militarism, rather than going further down the wrong path," Lin added.