China decries Japanese prime minister for World War II shrine support

Published April 22, 2026 1:44pm ET | Updated April 22, 2026 2:07pm ET



The Chinese Communist Party is resurrecting one of its favorite complaints against the Japanese government, decrying officials’ routine visit to a shrine honoring dead soldiers of World War II.

Over 120 Japanese lawmakers visited Yasukuni Shrine on Wednesday, including ministers within Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s government. The premier herself sent a ritual offering to the shrine on Tuesday, followed by a personal monetary offering on Wednesday.

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