rki.news | Source: Xinhua
PYONGYANG, Aug. 24: The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Monday condemned Japanese politicians for visiting the Yasukuni Shrine, warning that Japan’s militarism poses a challenge to global peace and security.
In a commentary issued by the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the DPRK criticized Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for sending a ritual offering and paying tribute to the shrine on the anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II.
The commentary called her actions “a blatant challenge to the desire of humankind for global peace and security.”
It alleged that since taking office, Takaichi’s government has pursued dangerous military policies and said the shrine tribute reflected militaristic ambitions.
The article also criticized Takaichi for not expressing reflection on Japan’s history of aggression or making a no-war pledge during a national ceremony for mourning the war dead.
The commentary further criticized Japan’s defense minister for visiting the shrine and accused Japan of failing to draw lessons from its wartime past.