TOKYO - Regardless of the feelings of the peoples of neighboring countries, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Monday sent a ritual offering to the notorious war-linked Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo on the 71st anniversary of Japan's unconditional surrender in World War II.

Abe is reportedly to refrain from visiting the notorious shrine during the day to prevent further damage to Japan's relationship with China and South Korea, said Kyodo News.

Meanwhile, Japan's Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Koichi Hagiuda visited the notorious shrine on Monday morning.

Yasukuni Shrine honors 14 Class-A convicted war criminals among 2.5 million Japanese war dead from WWII and is regarded as a symbol of the past Japanese militarism.

Visits to the infamous shrine by Japanese leaders and officials have sparked strong criticism from China and South Korea.