Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's repeated, provocative visits to the Yasukuni Shrine a symbol of militarism means he has failed to fully atone for his country's war past, Chinese historians said yesterday.

They called Koizumi's visit "a political farce," which they said is "a poison" for China-Japan relations.

They were especially enraged as Koizumi chose August 15 for his latest visit, the 61st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

"Koizumi has violated Japan's constitution," said He Li, a professor at the University of National Defence, "and gone against the will of peace-loving people in Japan."

A survey last month in the Mainichi newspaper showed 54 per cent of 1,065 respondents felt that whoever replaces Koizumi who is set to step down next month should not visit the war shrine.

A separate survey conducted by the Nihon Keizai business newspaper at about the same time showed similar results, with 53 per cent opposing the visits, 28 per cent supporting them and 19 per cent undecided.

Tang Zhongnan, a researcher with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said Koizumi would face the trial of the history; and asked his successor to make efforts to bring bilateral relations back on track.

Li Liangzhi, a professor at Renmin University of China, said Koizumi's pilgrimage to the shrine, where 14 war criminals of World War II are honoured, is a sign that Japan could one day return to militarism.

"If he really wanted to show his love for peace, he should have paid respects at the Marco Polo Bridge in Beijing instead of the Yasukuni Shrine," he said, referring to Koizumi's excuse in response to criticism.

On July 7, 1937, Japanese forces assaulted Marco Polo Bridge (also known as Lugou Bridge), about 20 kilometres from downtown Beijing, marking Japan's all-out invasion of China.

Liu Tinghua, a researcher with the Academy of Military Sciences of the People's Liberation Army, said Japan would never be considered a responsible nation if its leaders continue to pay respects to war criminals.

He called Koizumis's visit "ignorant, short-sighted and stupid."

"I can't imagine how Japan can fulfil its international responsibilities at the United Nations when it can't even face up to history," Liu said, referring to the country's efforts to secure a permanent seat in the UN Security Council.

About 50 historians attended the gathering at the Museum of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression near the Marco Polo Bridge.

Source: China Daily