During a speech at Sophia University in Tokyo, Cheng said China-Japan ties are facing unprecedented challenges. They are affected by both territorial disputes and historical problems.

Bilateral relations have been damaged since Japan’s nationalization of the Dianoyu Islands last September. And Abe’s visit to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine caused relations to deteriorate further.

Cheng pointed out that the Yasukuni Shrine, which honours Class-A war criminals, is a symbol of Japan’s militarism and foreign aggression. China opposes any visit by Japanese leaders calling it a red line. Cheng says Abe’s visit created a new and major political barrier in China-Japan ties.

The Ambassador says Abe’s acts show he doesn’t care about the feelings of Chinese people or China’s core concerns.

"It means that Prime Minister Abe has closed the door for dialogue with his own hands," he said.