07/01/2014 (Agence Europe) - Ashton on tension between China and Japan. On 26 December, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton took note of the visit of Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo. This site, which pays tribute to Japanese soldiers killed in combat, is considered by China and South Korea as a symbol of Japanese imperialism. “This action is not conducive to lowering tensions in the region or to improving relations with Japan's neighbours, especially China and Republic of Korea”, she said. On 6 January, Shinzo Abe announced his intention to meet the leaders of these countries in order to explain his reasons for the visit. “The EU urges the countries involved to build positive and constructive ties with their neighbours that will bolster confidence, defuse tensions and assure the long-term stability of the region”, Ashton stated. (CG/transl.fl)