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China Lodges Diplomatic Protests as Japanese Defense Minister Visits Yasukuni Shrine and PM Sends Offering

By Kenji Yamamoto3 min read

Beijing, 15 August 2026 – China has lodged stern diplomatic protests with Japan after Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi visited the controversial Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sent a ritual monetary offering, marking the 81st anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II.

A spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly deplored the actions on Saturday, stating that the shrine acts as a spiritual symbol and historical tool of Japanese militarism. The ministry emphasized that Yasukuni Shrine honors 14 convicted Class-A war criminals from World War II alongside Japan’s war dead, arguing that visits and ritual offerings by senior government officials represent an affront to historical justice and undermine the political foundation of bilateral relations between Beijing and Tokyo.

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Author

  • Kenji Yamamoto is a Senior Fellow at The Ledger Asia, where he explores the critical nexus of Asian international relations, economic development, and environmental sustainability. With extensive experience in cross-border policy analysis, Kenji provides a unique perspective on how diplomatic alliances and green energy transitions drive long-term growth across the Asia-Pacific.

    Previously an advisor for regional development banks, he specializes in sustainable infrastructure and the circular economy’s role in modernizing emerging markets. At The Ledger Asia, Kenji’s deep-dive reports help readers navigate the complex balance between rapid industrialization and the global imperative for climate resilience and corporate responsibility.