Apology by Japanese Prime Minister
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Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi has expressed "deep remorse" over Japan's wartime aggression in Asia at the Asia-Africa summit in Jakarta.
I suspect that this apology is merely strategic as Japanese MPs recently
visited the War Memorial and the issue regarding the textbook was not
dealt with. The whole textbook thing was also probably a deception as
the textbooks were not widely adopted before and the Japanese government
knew that it will be the same this time round. However, it allowed the Japanese government to arouse Chinese nationalistic feelings. And the Chinese naively played along. It gave them the opportunity to label China a 'scary' country. China's refusal to apologize after the attack on the Japanese embassy allowed the Japanese to portray themselves as the victims and China as unreasonable and irrational. With the Prime Minister's apology, Japan gained the moral high ground. Japan is seen as the more reasonable, rational, co-operative and peaceful among the 2 countries. Furthermore, China's strong opposition to Japan's acceptance to the Security Council is seen as aggressive and allowing regional politics to interfere with an International system. This whole issue also caused a greater scrutiny of China's own human rights record.
This tactic is not new. The US has used it against a previous super-power, the Soviet Union, in the Cold War. They advertised themselves as the 'country of freedon' while the communist Soviet Union is condemned as repressive. And recently, they began to label countries as the "Axis of Evil" and some countries as allies to terrorists. It is apparent that Japan seeks to sway world opinion that China is a threat and steps must be taken to contain its growth, just like how the US did with the Soviet Union. China has not helped itself in this matter. It displayed what people think as a conduct unbecoming of a future superpower.
So, round 1 to Japan. Next move. -
Speaking as a singaporean, I guess as long as the big players are busy with each other, sg can quietly continue to play along and strengthen herself in terms of economic power and diplomatic standing without any negative interference.
Also, altho war is not profitable, verbal and diplomatic bickering can actually be profitable for the smaller countries.
As long as things do not escalate into a cold war or a full war, Sg will continue to thrive as friends of both countries. -
The number of Chinese protesting against Japan is just a very very small drop of China's population. It certainly doesn't prove anything. Most Chinese have nothing against the Japanese. In fact there are more and more Japanese who see China as a great place to live in and are migrating to China in numbers. Here is the related article about Japanese migration to China:
http://www.muninn.net/blog/archives/000229.html
It has been 60 years since the war ended but even until today the Japanese government are still denying and glorifying their past mistakes. What's the reason behind this?
I think that the Japanese government is trying to stir up nationalistic sentiments among its citizens in order to divert their attention from its ailing economy. By continuing to whitewash their altrocities, the Japanese government is trying to incite foreign countries to stage protests against them, this will anger the Japanese and help rally the people of Japan behind the ruling government.
What's most disturbing is that in recent years in Japan itself, ethnic Chinese and Korean and their properties are frequently subjected to unprovoked death threats and attacks from Japanese nationalists. Look at these articles:
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-04/23/content_325864.htm
http://210.145.168.243/pk/066th_issue/98102107.htm
http://www.imadr.org/imadr_jc/song_hesuk.html
What have the japanese government been teaching their younger generations anyway? Why do they have so much hatred towards Chinese and Koreans when China and Korea have never done anything ill towards Japan? -
Could it e a Jap superiority complex that causes them to hate and despise Koreans and Chinese?
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I would say this is a key factor. Another thing is that since the Japanese economic bubble burst in the early 1990s, their economy has shrunk for more than 10 consecutive years. The unemployment rate is still high and foreigners are seen as competitors who took away their jobs and hence more and more discrimination against foreigners.Originally posted by SilverPal:Could it e a Jap superiority complex that causes them to hate and despise Koreans and Chinese? -
The following is taken off the BBC web site but is not meant to inflame more feelings. Perhaps it'll serve to help understand the reason for the intense feelings. I've only been to Japan once for holiday and don't really know the Japanese ppl very much. The ppl I've met are generally polite but rather aloof; maybe it's in their culture.
Japan's decision to approve new school textbooks, criticised by some for glossing over the country's wartime record, have promoted demonstrations in several Chinese cities. But as William Horsley discovers the row between the two countries concerns the future as well as the past.
Prime Minister Koizumi's visits to the shrine were criticised by China
The most striking thing about the Yasukuni Shrine is its massive and forbidding black "torii" gate.
A distinctive symbol of the Shinto religion, a gaunt silhouette beneath which, on a bright spring day, I watched men and women of all ages streaming in to pay their respects to ancestors, or to admire the enchanting display of cherry blossoms on the tree-lined avenue.
Each family group would pause, shut their eyes and pray in front of the open-plan wooden building where the souls of two-and-a-half-million Japanese war dead are enshrined.
Those war dead include Hideki Tojo, Japan's wartime prime minister who was later hanged with a dozen other top leaders as a war criminal.
Japan's present leader, Junichiro Koizumi has made regular visits to Yasukuni Shrine in spite of furious complaints from China, South Korea and other neighbouring countries that in doing so he was condoning Japan's aggressive war in the 1930s and 1940s.
And now, the news from China is bad, very bad.
Demonstrations
Demonstrations over the text-books have extended to South Korea
Last weekend an angry crowd gathered in Beijing to throw stones at the Japanese embassy.
In other cities young people have attacked Japanese shops and businesses.
In Shanghai two Japanese students were badly beaten up in a restaurant.
Chinese leaders say Japan will not deserve a permanent seat on the UN Security Council until it faces up honestly to its wartime misdeeds.
An e-mail doing the rounds in China calls for a mass boycott of Japanese goods. "Send this on to other Chinese people", the message says, "and we won't need to go to war!"
History
This stream of invective against the Japanese is not new.
Some Asia watchers see it largely as a device by Chinese leaders to extract more Japanese aid or divert attention from their own failings.
It is alarmingly reminiscent of the age of the Communist Red Guards.
The Yasukuni Shrine remains a potent symbol of how the Japanese, intoxicated by fascism and coerced by military rule, once collectively lost their reason and were fed fantastic myths, of racial superiority and the Emperor's divinity
But on this trip to Japan I could not avoid the conclusion that a new mood of nationalism has also begun to take hold in this country which has been publicly devoted to peace and economic prosperity for so long.
One sign is the Japanese authorities' approval of several new school history textbooks written by known right-wing scholars.
One book which has angered the Chinese failed to make any assessment of the number of Chinese civilians killed in the infamous Rape of Nanjing.
The internationally accepted view is that hundreds of thousands died in an orgy of sexual violence and killing by Japanese troops.
And Japan's largest national newspaper, the Yomiuri Shimbun, in what I take to be blatant disregard for the known facts, has called on its readers to celebrate, because the new textbooks have cut out all mention of one of the greatest of all the humiliations inflicted by Imperial Japan on its neighbours: the use of large numbers of women in conquered Asian countries as sex slaves for the Japanese army.
It was right to set the record straight, I read, because the accusations "had been shown to be untrue".
Surely I thought modern Japan could not give in to the poison of such deceit and hypocrisy ever again.
The Yasukuni Shrine remains a potent symbol of how the Japanese, intoxicated by fascism and coerced by military rule, once collectively lost their reason and were fed fantastic myths, of racial superiority and the Emperor's divinity.
'Bitter dispute'
I had come to see the recently expanded Yasukuni museum of Japanese history.
For 100 years Japan has been number one in Asia. Now China, with 10 times Japan's population, is in a hurry to take over that role
I found that its 18 galleries of high-quality displays, maps and texts amount to a lavish and expensive re-write of the history of Japan's imperial age, to show the Japanese as innocent victims of a conspiracy by the Western colonial powers, to thwart Japan's ambition to lead East Asia and force Japan into war.
By this account annexing Korea, setting up a puppet regime in Manchukuo, the step by step takeover of China, each was done in self-defence, aiming only to bring peace.
As for Nanjing, I found no mention of Japanese soldiers killing civilians.
Instead, these words: "The Chinese were soundly defeated, suffering heavy casualties. Inside the city, residents were once again able to live their lives in peace."
However you look at it, that will not do as a record of what happened.
By chance I came across this testimony of a Japanese army veteran who was there.
"No matter how young or old, none of the women we rounded up could escape being raped. Each one was allocated to 15 or 20 soldiers for sexual intercourse and abuse."
Afterwards "we always stabbed them and killed them. Because dead bodies don't talk."
The bitter dispute now raging between Japan and China is both about setting the record straight and about a struggle for power.
For 100 years Japan has been number one in Asia.
Now China, with 10 times Japan's population, is in a hurry to take over that role.
And as with highly-geared racing cars sharing the same circuit, it is the moment of overtaking that brings the greatest risk of a crash.
From Our Own Correspondent was broadcast on Saturday 16 April, 2005 at 1130 BST on BBC Radio 4. Please check the programme schedules for World Service transmission times. -
Originally posted by kheldorin:
Of course it is strategic. Koizumi is leveraging on international sympathies to pressurise China against vetoing its bid for the U.N. Security Council seat.
Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi has expressed "deep remorse" over Japan's wartime aggression in Asia at the Asia-Africa summit in Jakarta.
I suspect that this apology is merely strategic as Japanese MPs recently
visited the War Memorial and the issue regarding the textbook was not
dealt with.
...
China has not helped itself in this matter. It displayed what people think as a conduct unbecoming of a future superpower.
So, round 1 to Japan. Next move.
And it is certainly not new. Then-Prime Minister Murayama made a more sincere apology in August 1995 and was quickly replaced by Hashimoto four months later.
Action speaks louder than words.
Has China blundered this round? Let's not be too hasty to judge. From a political point of view, the Chinese government could be using protests over a history text to send a subtle message to Japan and the US that it will not condone the emergence of a powerful military rival in the region, especially one closely aligned with Washington.
Moreover, the Communist party has always embraced nationalism as its favoured means of ideological control. By tacitly condoning anti-Japanese demonstrations, the government gave China's increasingly-apathetic population an excuse to participate in something that looked like a united voice of solidarity and freedom of expression.
Furthermore, standing up to Japan's "rightists" also enhanced party leader Hu Jintao's stature, while justifying higher military spending.
China has not yet officially responded, but Hu could take a leaf from Chairman Mao Tse-tung and wave off the apology graciously during talks with Japan, "If not for Japan's aggression against China, the Chinese Communist party would not be in power today."
China may have displayed "what people think as a conduct unbecoming of a future superpower", but has the existing superpower been any better?
"WE SHALL PREVAIL."
- President George W. Bush -
This kind of apologies are totally meaningless. They will go thru a cycle of half ass 'apologies' followed by actions that render those so called 'regrets' null and void.
Their leaders will still be visting the Yasukuni Shrine. In fact more than 160 of his lawmakers just did. They will still be denying and whitewashing their history.
Many lawsuits on war atrocities were rejected by Japan courts. They also denied that "comfort women" existed
It's very unlikely for this country to emulate the example of Germany. -
Ah, but the existing superpower is a known factor while China is still unknown. That's why during these periods, countries are scrutinizing and judging China's foreign policies, deciding whether having China as a superpower would be best for the future. This is especially true for the Europeans countries as they are not part of Asia and may not benefit much or could be threatened by Asia's growth. The shift of power from the West to the East may also be uncomfortable to them as they are not as familiar with the culture. They probably prefer India as a superpower as India was a former colony and has retained a Western structure while China's structure is different. Europeans are also critical of China's past and its human rights record.Originally posted by Tuatau:China may have displayed "what people think as a conduct unbecoming of a future superpower", but has the existing superpower been any better?
"WE SHALL PREVAIL."
- President George W. Bush
The global media is also still mostly controlled by US and Britain. They can still influence public opinion and portray China's moves in a harsher light that what it actually is. The Europeans are still pretty neutral so far. I wonder what Japan, US and Taiwan is going to do about that. -
Originally posted by kheldorin:
True. A lot of Chinese people around the world are closely following the news to see how China is going to engage US and Japan in power play games. And they aren't just getting their news from the Western media. The 22 million signatures obtained around the world for the online petitions against Japan's U.N. Security Council permanent seat bid have proven the far reach of the Asian media as well.
The global media is also still mostly controlled by US and Britain. They can still influence public opinion and portray China's moves in a harsher light that what it actually is. The Europeans are still pretty neutral so far. I wonder what Japan, US and Taiwan is going to do about that. -
Originally posted by kheldorin:Ah, but the existing superpower is a known factor while China is still unknown. That's why during these periods, countries are scrutinizing and judging China's foreign policies, deciding whether having China as a superpower would be best for the future.
Historically, China had been a rather benign superpower. What the world, esp for Asia, need to keep their eyes on is possible return of Japanese militarism amounts its political estbmt, as highlighted by suntze on a report by a BBC Japan correspondence.The global media is also still mostly controlled by US and Britain. They can still influence public opinion and portray China's moves in a harsher light that what it actually is. The Europeans are still pretty neutral so far. I wonder what Japan, US and Taiwan is going to do about that.[/b]
Agreed with that. In fact, this BBC report mentioned earlier is a rarity in Western media on about how nationalism is taking hold in Tokyo -
By looking at the whole political developments within Japan, it is very clear that Japan is re-militarising itself again in a big way. The world has to keep an eye on its ulterior motives in dealing with Japan. Other countries must form alliances in case Japan decides to ally with USA to control Asia.Originally posted by Gun:Agreed with that. In fact, this BBC report mentioned earlier is a rarity in Western media on about how nationalism is taking hold in Tokyo
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Just wanna bring a few related things up:
-US asked japan to play stronger role asia regional securrty.
-Japan made a bid to ask for release its military sanction
or strengthening its defence force citing growing threat from china
(somehting like tat...)
-US wants to support India to become asia superpower
and offer to sell next generation military crafts to india.
.. this was followed by china approaching india to cooperate
and exchange industry expectise. something like tat...
All these moves were made by US and Japan all bcos
of their fear of China rising power.
One analysis even view the US strategy as analogous
to former president Nixon's strategy of forming allied forces
w France against rising power of germany (if i rembr correctly)
My personal sad view to these is that, they have labeled China
as dangerous even b4 it had done anything.
It seemed more dangerous as they are provoking China
rather than coorperating w them.
If theres any more new conflicts, it seemed to be started by US and Japan. -
I second kheldorin's view.
Its all part of Japan (and US) strategy to make the world think
that china is a dangerous nation. Its all a plot.
Then, perhaps it can get UN permission to regrow its military industry.
Another lucrative industry where it can display its engineering might,
which had been in denial for 60yrs.
And this will indirectly provide for economic growth and regional power,
esp w US cooperation,
in face of the growing pressure in power and economy from China. -
Wrt to Japan apology, it will mean nothing if its matched by its actions.
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What one can learn from an unedited history textbook:
On 22 Apr 2005, Japanese PM Koizumi issued (another) "äpology" for Japanese WWII atrocities when over 160 of his MPs visited the Yasukuni shrine on the same day.
On 7 Dec 1941, Japanese ambassador in Washington had requested to meet US Secretary of State when over 360 Japanese planes attacked Pearl Harbour in the same morning.
Actions speak Louder than words.
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Sigh..... I see the same thing.Originally posted by robertteh:By looking at the whole political developments within Japan, it is very clear that Japan is re-militarising itself again in a big way. The world has to keep an eye on its ulterior motives in dealing with Japan. Other countries must form alliances in case Japan decides to ally with USA to control Asia. -
On LKY's reply today... heres my thoughts...
Not everything the old man said is correct.
Some of which are uncalled for.
Personally I do not think he knows China nor Asia enough.
It made him seemed like a puppet under the influence of west/US/Japan.
Even after the apology, the Korean politician downplay it.
Let alone China soon.
I really think LKY better talk less else Spore will become an outcast in asia.