Japan, South Korea Distressed At War Shrine Visits By Top Japanese Politicians

Japanese politicians angered China and South Korea yesterday when they marked the 68th anniversary of Japan's World War II surrender by visiting the Yasukuni shrine. China summoned Japan's ambassador to lodge a complaint about the visits.  Britain's Morning Star reports that Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe did not visit the shrine personally, but sent an offering through an aide.  Two cabinet ministers paid respects in person wearing morning suits. The Shinto shrine honors Japanese war dead, including 14 top convicted war criminals.  AFP reports that throughout the day yesterday, nearly 100 Japanese lawmakers-- including 3 cabinet ministers-- visited the controversial shrine. (See prior related posting.)