China urges Japan to act prudently on?historical issues

The Foreign Ministry urged Japan on Friday to face up to and reflect on the history of aggression, act prudently on historical issues such as the issue of Yasukuni Shrine and make a clean break with militarism.

The ministry's spokesman Lin Jian made the remarks after outgoing Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and head of Japanese ruling Liberal Democratic Party Sanae Takaichi sent ritual offerings to the shrine on Friday.

The Yasukuni Shrine, honoring 14 convicted Class-A Japanese war criminals from World War II, is a spiritual tool and symbol of Japanese militarism and its invasion of foreign countries, Lin said, adding that China has lodged solemn representations to Japan over the negative move.

To view and treat history correctly is an important prerequisite for Japan's return to the international community after the war, and the political foundation for Japan's ties with neighboring countries, Lin told a daily news briefing.

More importantly, he added, it is the key to measure Japan's commitment to peaceful development.

China urges Japan to follow the path of peaceful development and earn the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community with concrete actions, Lin said.