BEIJING -- China criticized Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's offering to the notorious war-linked Yasukuni Shrine during the shrine's spring festival on Thursday.

Abe, along with other notable senior politicians, made ritual offerings to the shrine that honors Class-A convicted war criminals of World War II, who were directly responsible for the war of aggression.

"The Japanese side should face up to and deeply reflect on the history of the invasion, make a clean break from militarism, and regain trust from its Asian neighbors and the international community with concrete action," said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying.

She told a regular press briefing that China holds a clear and consistent position with regard to the Yasukuni Shrine issue.

Abe has offered the "masakaki" trees during the shrine's spring and autumn festivals since he returned to power late 2012 and paid an unpopular visit in December 2013, prompting strong protests from China and the Republic of Korea.