CCTV9英语新闻：杨洁篪谴责安倍晋三参拜靖国神社（在线收听）

The fallout continues in China and elsewhere over the visit of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine on Thursday. The shrine honors Japan’s war dead, including 14 World War Two criminals. Chinese State Councillor, and former Foreign Minister, Yang Jiechi has denounced the visit with strong words.

"Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe’s visit to the Yasukuni Shrine trampled the feelings of the people victimized by Japan’s military aggression. It is a challenge to all the people in the world who love peace. It’s also a challenge to the post-war order and the victory of anti-Fascism war. Undoubtedly, Abe’s wrongdoings are and should be reprimanded by the Chinese people and the international community." said Yang Jiechi.

Yang points out that the Yasukuni Shrine issue boils down to whether the Japanese government can properly face its history of militarist aggression and colonial rule. He says as Japan’s Prime Minister, Abe’s visit is not a personal one, and thus is not a domestic issue. The question is whether the Japanese leadership will follow the road of peaceful development and abide by the Charter of the United Nations. Yang calls on thinking Japanese to be aware that Abe is possibly leading the country to a road that harms the interest of its own people.

"The Chinese people cannot be insulted, nor can the people of Asia and throughout the world be humiliated. Abe must own up to the wrongdoing, correct mistakes and take concrete measures to remove its egregious impacts. We urge Abe to give up any illusion and mend his ways. Otherwise he will further discredit himself in front of Japan’s Asian neighbors and the international community. He will end up being an out-and-out loser in history." said Yang.