rki.news | Source: Xinhua
HONG KONG, August 16: Japan’s latest moves to honor the Yasukuni Shrine have renewed concerns across Asia over historical revisionism and the country’s expanding military capabilities.
Senior Japanese officials paid tribute to the shrine on Saturday, the 81st anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II. The shrine honors 14 convicted Class-A war criminals and is widely regarded in Asia as a symbol of Japan’s wartime militarism.
China and South Korea strongly criticized the visits and offerings, urging Japan to confront its wartime history and uphold its commitment to peaceful development.
Chinese officials said the moves challenge the post-war international order, while South Korea expressed deep regret over what it described as actions that glorify Japan’s past aggression.
Historians and observers also warned that diminishing public awareness of Japan’s wartime conduct could contribute to historical amnesia. Research has documented atrocities committed across Asia, including forced labor, biological warfare, massacres and military sexual slavery.
Observers urged the international community to remain vigilant as Japan expands its defense industry and military capabilities.
They stressed that acknowledging historical responsibility is essential to preventing past tragedies from being repeated and safeguarding peace and stability in Asia.