(VOVworld) - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has made a ritual offering to a controversial shrine honoring the country’s war dead, sparking a sharp response from China and the Republic of Korea. The Republic of Korean Foreign Ministry spokesman Noh Kwang-il said “Japanese political leaders should clearly understand that paying their respects towards the Yasukuni shrine is perceived as violating international agreements and harming international stability.” He reiterated that the shrine for Japan’s war dead includes those convicted as war criminals in the wake of World War II. Noh added that Seoul hopes Abe will abide by relevant promises made by past cabinets regarding historical views in making any speech and remarks at the on-going Asian-African summit in Indonesia, as well as during his visit to the United States next week. China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei made a similar response and said China’s position on the shrine is consistent and clear.