Japan's ruling party officials visit shrine on war anniversary

Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine, seen by Japan's Asian neighbours as a symbol of the country's past militarism was visited by Liberal Democratic Party's officials, including Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi on Saturday.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi despite her repeated past pledges for a visit on the day marking Japan's surrender, made a financial contribution and did not appear at the shrine.

Hitoshi Kikawada, another Cabinet member, also visited the shrine. Kikawada told reporters, he came to offer his deepest condolences to the fallen soldiers who fought for the country.

Following Takaichi's monetary offering, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said China strongly deplores Japan's negative moves related to the Yasukuni war shrine, and has lodged serious protests against Japan.