China on Thursday expressed grave concern over the Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso's offering at the Yasukuni Shrine.

Japan should observe its commitments, accord actions to its words, and take a responsible attitude toward safeguarding the overall situation of China-Japan relations, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu said at a regular news conference.

Among those honored at the Shrine are 14 people convicted of war crimes during Japan's invasion of China in World War II.

The Japanese government's correct understanding and proper handling of the history between Japan and China was the political basis of their relationship, Jiang said.

"Any erroneous move by Japan will exert grave negative influence on bilateral relations," Jiang said, adding China demanded Japan be discreet in word and deed.

(Xinhua News Agency April 23, 2009)