TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso has sent an offering to Tokyo's Yasukuni shrine, a spokeswoman for the shrine, seen by many as a symbol of Japan's past militarism, said yesterday.

News of the offering - a $500 potted tree with a sign showing Aso's name and title as the premier - comes a week ahead of the prime minister's two-day trip to Beijing where he is expected to meet Chinese leaders.

"I thanked and paid homage to those who sacrificed their life for the country," Aso was quoted by Kyodo news agency as telling reporters when asked about the offering.