Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has summoned Japanese ambassador Kitera Masato and lodged solemn representations over Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's visit to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine.
Wang Yi said Abe's visit creates major political barriers to China-Japan relations, saying Japan must take responsibility for any severe political consequences. He said the visit is a blatant provocation, an affront to international justice and a gross violation of humanity's conscience. Wang said Abe's behavior is leading Japan in a dangerous direction. He said Japan needs to atone for its brutal past mistakes, and urged the international community to be vigilant to prevent reversing history.