An editorial in Singapore's Lianhe Zaobao said on Wednesday that Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's visit to the Yasukuni Shrine on Tuesday was provocative to the countries, which fell victim to Japan's aggression during World War II.

There has been no doubt about the political and diplomatic sensitiveness of the Yasukuni Shrine, which honors Japan's World War II criminals, the article said, adding that an official visit by any Japanese leader represents the recognition of Japanese militarism.

Koizumi's words and deeds regarding Japan's history of aggression during World War II, have put relations between Japan and other major countries in East Asia in a stalemate and added obstacles to regional cooperation in political, economic and other areas, according to the article.

It stressed that Singapore, like many other Asian countries, was a victim of Japanese militarism and cannot tolerate any attempts by a handful of Japanese politicians, trying to distort history.

The editorial urged Koizumi's successor to adopt a correct attitude toward history and to actively mend and improve the relationships between Japan and its neighboring countries.

Source: Xinhua