In recent years, Japanese leaders repeatedly paid homage to the Yasukuni Shrine, arguing that they couldn"t see any reason why they cannot visit the shrine, and other countries should not meddle in Japan"s mourning for the war dead. In fact, shrine visits have adversely affected the healthy growth of Sino-Japanese relations. It"s well known that in the Shinto shrine are enshrined 14 Class-A war criminals who had committed towering war crimes during World War II. With their hands stained with the blood of the people from China and many other Asian countries, they were prime culprits for and chief plotters of Japan"s aggression wars. Japanese leaders" visits to the shrine are a fundamental question of right and wrong that has a direct bearing on how the country looks upon its aggressive past.
In our view, adopting a correct attitude toward history is the only way to develop Sino-Japanese ties, and maintain peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and the world at large. Past experiences since the two countries normalized their diplomatic ties over 30 years ago demonstrate that, a correct understanding of history led to healthy development of bilateral relations; otherwise difficulties and setbacks would stand in the way.
The purpose of compiling this book is to let know the war crimes committed by the 14 Class-A war criminals enshrined in the Yasukuni Shrine, and the reason why China firmly opposes the shrine visits.
Taking history as a mirror, looking to the future, and maintaining and developing a stable Sino-Japanese relationship, -- it"s conducive to the common interests of the two peoples. -- Ed.