CRI听力:Abe's Shrine Visit Draws Wide Condemnation, Criticism

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has visited the notorious Yasukuni Shrine, marking his first anniversary back in office.

It is the first time in seven years that a sitting Japanese prime minister has visited that shrine.

The move has drawn wide condemnation and criticism at home and abroad.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang immediately condemned Abe's visit to the shrine

"The Chinese government expresses strong outrage and solemnly condemns the Japanese leader's ruthless trampling of the feelings of the Chinese people, and people of other war-affected Asian countries."

He's also urging Japan to reflect on its past wartime aggression.

"We solemnly urge Japan to abide by its commitment to reflect on its history of aggression, take measures to correct its error, and take concrete actions to win the trust of its Asian neighbours and the international community."

Meanwhile, South Korea's Foreign Ministry also issues its own condemnation of Abe's visit.

Yoo Jin-ryong, South Korean Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

"Prime Minister Abe's visit to the Yasukuni Shrine shows that he has a wrong perception of history. It is an anachronistic act, which is fundamentally damaging the ties between South Korea and Japan, as well as stability and cooperation in Northeast Asia,"

South Korea has summoned a Japanese embassy official in Seoul to protest the shrine visit.

At the same time, the United States says it is "disappointed" by Abe's visit, saying the move would "exacerbate tensions with Japan's neighbors."

A number of Japanese political parties have also criticized Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's visit to the Yasukuni Shrine.

Critics include Abe's political allies.

Natsuo Yamaguchi, leader of the small New Komeito Party, which is part of the ruling coalition, says Abe's shrine visit will make Japan's relations with China and South Korea tougher.

Social Democratic Party secretary general Mataichi Seiji says the prime minister had vowed to follow an active pacifist road, but is engaging in active militarism now.

He described Abe's move as unbelievable.

Fourteen class-A war criminals, who were convicted by an Allied tribunal after World War II, are enshrined there.

Repeated visits to the notorious shrine by Japanese ministers and lawmakers have become a major obstacle for Japan when it comes to mending ties with China and South Korea.

For CRI, this is Li Jing.