Japan's PM not rules out possibility of visiting Yasukuni Shrine

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has not ruled out the possibility of visiting Yasukuni Shrine, which enshrines Class-A war criminals from World War II.

In Beijing, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged Japan to follow the path of peaceful development and to demonstrate, through concrete actions, the basic sincerity needed to uphold the political foundation of China-Japan relations.

On a local election programme on Sunday, when asked whether she would visit Yasukuni Shrine in the future, Takaichi replied that efforts are being made to create the right environment: first to gain the understanding of allied countries, and also that of neighboring countries.

Some mainland Chinese scholars analyze that the LDP's overwhelming victory under Takaichi reflects a more serious rightward shift in Japanese politics and public opinion.

They suggest that the Takaichi administration may further bind itself to the United States in diplomacy, court allies, and strengthen efforts to counter China.