China calls for alert on Japanese political move

China on Thursday called on neighboring countries of Japan and the international community to be on high alert after Japanese politicians backed their prime minister's visit to the Yasukuni Shrine. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying made the appeal at a daily press briefing when commenting on Japanese politicians' words which ignored Japan's history of aggression. Etsuro Honda, economic policy advisor to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, on Wednesday reportedly praised Abe's courage to visit the war-linked shrine on Dec. 26. Japanese Vice Prime Minister Taro Aso also said the controversial visit was a matter of course. "Turning blind eyes to the just appeal of the international community, Japanese politicians voiced such ridiculous remarks. It again showcased that they totally have no intention to reflect on the Japanese history of aggression," Hua said. "They even thought that Japan's international status cannot be lifted unless the post-war international order is changed. What sort of logic is that and what kind of information do they want to release?" Hua asked. She said the Japanese politicians' explanations can only help people learn about the real intention and essence of Abe's visit to the shrine, which honors 14 World War II class-A war criminals. "Asian neighbors (of Japan) and the international community have reason to maintain high alert on political move in Japan," Hua said.