Japan's Takaichi skips controversial Yasukuni Shrine visit on anniversary of World War II surrender

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi did not visit the controversial Yasukuni Shrine on the anniversary of Japan's World War II surrender. Instead, Japan's defense minister made the visit. The Chinese embassy and other Chinese outlets condemned the visit by the defense minister. The Chinese government has repeatedly criticized visits to the shrine, which honors Japan's war dead, including convicted war criminals.

The Chinese embassy in Japan issued a statement condemning the actions of Japanese politicians. The Japan Times and Bloomberg.com both covered the defense minister's visit. The South China Morning Post and CGTN also covered the Chinese government's response. The Chinese government has a stake in this story, as it has repeatedly criticized visits to the shrine.

The Japanese government also has a stake, as the prime minister's decision not to visit the shrine may be an attempt to avoid provoking China. The defense minister's visit, however, may have the opposite effect. The Chinese government's response to the defense minister's visit is not yet clear.