TOKYO (AP) – An expected visit by Japan’s leader to a war shrine reviled by other Asian nations heightened tensions Sunday, with South Korea warning it would take diplomatic action and protesters in Tokyo rallying against the shrine for the third straight day.

Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi – who intends to step down next month – is expected to make a pilgrimage to Yasukuni Shrine on Tuesday, the anniversary of the end of World War II in Asia.

Visiting on such a sensitive date will likely worsen already strained relations with Japan’s neighbors China and South Korea, who bore the brunt of 20th century Japanese aggression and who have repeatedly demanded that Koizumi halt his visits.

Chinese and South Korean officials on Sunday denied a news report that they agreed to accept visits to the shrine by future Japanese leaders if Koizumi stays away for the rest of his term.

Kyodo News service reported Sunday the nations would accept one visit a year from future Japanese prime ministers if Koizumi stays away. But a Chinese Embassy spokesman denied the report as “totally groundless,” Kyodo said. A Korean official also denied the report.

The Yasukuni Shrine honors Japan’s 2.5 million war dead, including war criminals executed after World War II. It played a role in promoting wartime nationalism, with Japanese soldiers commonly pledging to fight to the death with the promise to “meet at Yasukuni.” It is located in Tokyo and was founded in 1869.

It also hosts a museum attempting to justify Japan’s militarist past. U.S. Ambassador Thomas Schieffer has said the museum – which paints the secret attack on Pearl Harbor as an act of self-defense – is “very disturbing.”

About 1,000 protesters marched within sight of the shrine Sunday evening, chanting for Japan to more sincerely repent for its invasion and occupation of Asian lands in the early 20th century.

The rally followed similar, but smaller candlelight vigils Friday and Saturday and drew demonstrators from Taiwan, South Korea and Japan.

“This is important to show other Japanese people that Yasukuni Shrine is a symbol of war and aggression,” said protester Emiko Suyehiro, 42. “It completely glorifies the war.”

Koizumi has visited the shrine five times since taking office in 2001, and has dropped repeated hints he will go again Tuesday. He insists his pilgrimages reaffirm Japan’s commitment to peace and honors the souls of those who died for the country.

South Korean officials warned Sunday that Seoul will file an immediate protest to Tokyo if Koizumi goes.

AP-ES-08-13-06 1508EDT