Russian Foreign Ministry officials have criticized Japan’s government for allegedly ignoring historical lessons and downplaying wartime atrocities, according to a report by Xinhua News Agency.
The remarks came amid renewed scrutiny of Japanese political figures visiting the Yasukuni Shrine, a site that honors Japan’s war dead, including convicted war criminals from World War II.
Chinese commentators have described such visits as a blatant affront to historical justice, arguing they undermine regional efforts to confront past aggression.
Former Chinese state media commentator Hu Xijin weighed in, suggesting Japan is positioning itself as an “East Asian Israel,” and urged observers to examine the actual roles of China and Russia in regional security dynamics.
The developments follow a routine press briefing held by the Chinese Foreign Ministry on April 22, 2026, where spokesperson Guo Jiakon addressed questions regarding Sino-Japanese relations and historical accountability.
