Former Japanese Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda criticized on Tuesday Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's visits to the war-linked Yasukuni Shrine, Kyodo News reported.

The premier's visits to Yasukuni Shrine "hindered the development of Japan-China relations," said the former top government spokesman at a speech in the southern prefecture of Fukuoka.

Fukuda called the current situation between the two countries " unfortunate" and urged a breakthrough into the stalemate as early as possible.

Koizumi has visited the Shinto shrine, which honors 14 Class-A war criminals responsible for Japan's aggression war against its Asian neighbors, for five times since taking office in April 2001.

The visits have drawn indignation and protests from Asian countries, including China, that suffered from Japan's atrocity in that war.

Source: Xinhua