Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi indicated yesterday he would visit a controversial war shrine later this year if he retains power in upcoming elections, dismissing protests by China.
Asked in his pre-election debate with party leaders if he planned to go to the Yasukuni shrine this year, Koizumi said,
"Looking at what I have done, you should know what kind of action I will take."
"I don't think we can get along with China just by giving up a visit to Yasukuni," he said, adding that the two countries have seen improvements in economic and cultural ties.
But he avoided saying when exactly he would visit the Shinto sanctuary in central Tokyo, reiterating that he would make a decision "appropriately."
Yasukuni shrine honors 2.5 million Japanese war dead including 14 top convicted war criminals.
On taking office in 2001, Koizumi pledged to pray annually at the shrine. He has so far kept the promise, with his last visit on Jan. 1 last year.
The pilgrimages have infuriated neighboring countries that were invaded by Japan in the first half of the 20th century and see Yasukuni as a symbol of militarism.
Main opposition leader Katsuya Okada, head of the Democratic Party of Japan, stressed in the debate that he would not go to Yasukuni if he becomes premier after the Sept. 11 election.
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