China strongly opposes the visit of high-ranking officials from the Japan Self-Defense Forces to the war-linked Yasukuni Shrine, the spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Japan has said, sternly urging Japan to completely sever ties with militarism.

According to information released on Saturday by the Chinese Embassy in Japan, its spokesperson said: "High-ranking officials of the Japan Self-Defense Forces visited Yasukuni Shrine, which enshrines many Class-A war criminals from World War II. This openly defiles historical justice and gravely insults of the people of the victimized countries involved. We firmly oppose this and sternly urge Japan to face up to and deeply reflect on its imperialist history, completely sever ties with militarism, and gain the trust of neighboring Asian countries and the international community through practical actions."

Hiroki Kobayashi, vice-chief of staff of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, visited Yasukuni Shrine on Tuesday with dozens of senior GSDF members. Japan's Ministry of Defense is investigating whether the visit went against a vice-minister directive that bans group visits by SDF members to religious facilities, as reported by Jiji Press, a Japanese news agency.

In addition, Taro Aso, former Japanese prime minister and vice-president of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, said in a speech at a Washington think tank meeting on Wednesday that a military unification of Taiwan will only disrupt the international order and this will not be tolerated.

In response to Aso's remarks, the spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Japan said on Friday that the resolution of the Taiwan question is entirely a matter for the Chinese people themselves and does not require acceptance by anyone else, nor does it tolerate interference from any external forces.

"The priciple of 'peaceful reunification, one country, two systems' is the best way to achieve cross-Strait reunification. We insist on striving for the prospect of peaceful reunification with the greatest sincerity and efforts," the spokesperson said.

"At the same time, in response to external interference and the activities of a very small number of 'Taiwan independence' separatists and their separatist activities, we will never promise to give up the use of force and reserve the option to take all necessary measures," he added.

jiangxueqing@chinadaily.com.cn