Since April, a series of negative elements have entered Sino-Japanese relations, thus hindering the sound development of bilateral ties.
First, friction on historical issues. The Japanese Government, unable to fully admit its invasion of some Asian countries during World War II, has failed to express serious remorse for the suffering it inflicted on the people of its Asian neighbors, especially those of China, resulting in strained relations between China and Japan. This sticky situation has been aggravated by Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi’s failure to correct the wrong attitude of his predecessors toward historical issues after assuming office.
His misguided mentality on the issue is evident from his consent to publish middle school history textbooks containing distorted information on the aggressive war launched by Japan during World War II, from the homage he formally paid, as Prime Minister, to the Yasukuni Shrine that houses the memorial tablets of 14 class-A war criminals, and from his further attempts to amend the Peace Constitution adopted by Japan shortly after World War II, which was a clear manifestation of Japan’s route toward “military power.”
Koizumi’s actions reflect hard-line policies adopted by the right wing of Japan and also the blind nationalism among some of the Japanese. The misleading policies of the current Japanese government have led to the escalation of friction between Japan and China, and other Asian countries on historical issues—the political highlight of this past summer.
Second, problems in the Taiwan issue. The Japanese Government gave a greenlight to the visit of Lee Teng-hui, an important political figure in Taiwan, to Japan on April 25-28, 2001—a blatant interference in China’s internal affairs and an encouragement to separatist forces in Taiwan. Noticeably, it happened right after Japan’s approval of the changes in the history textbooks. All in all, Japan’s provocation of this incident has had serious repercussions on the normal development of its relations with China.
Third, trade disputes. On April 10, the Japanese Government announced the imposition of high import duties on Chinese green onions, fresh mushrooms and tatami rushes from April 23 to November 8. In response, China declared a levy on extra tariffs on imports of Japan-made automobiles, mobile phones and air-conditioners. Although the trade problem is not grave enough to worsen political relations between the two countries, a trend of discrimination against China in Japan’s trade protectionism was clearly demonstrated. If Japan continues along this route, it will damage the long-term economic and trade interests of the two countries, as well as bilateral political ties.
Since the early 1990s, Japan has been sinking into a dual political and economic crisis, strong nationalist emotions inside Japan have been rising, and its attitude toward external affairs hardening. The constant reorganization of domestic political forces, resulting in 10 prime ministers in 10 years, has caused Japan’s political instability. Regarding its economy, Japan has been unable to find an effective way to get out of its deep recession despite its great efforts. Its economy has maintained a zero or negative growth in recent years, destroying the faith of most Japanese in the future, and compelling the Japanese Government to rely on foreign means for the solution of its economic and political problems.
Regarding international relations, China’s growing influence on international affairs and its booming economy have changed Japan’s attitude toward relations with China—from “friendly attention” to “vigilant attention.” It now sees China as a threat, which adds to the friction already prevailing in bilateral relations. In addition, Sino-American relations have greatly affected Sino-Japanese relations: Japan closely follows the United States, and when China-U.S. relations are strained, Japan backs the U.S.; when China-U.S. relations improve, Japan tries to persuade the United States to isolate China. Therefore, George W. Bush’s harsh policies toward China after he came into power earlier this year encouraged Japan’s unfriendly behavior toward China, thus exacerbating the tension between the two countries.
However, in order to realize its ardent desire to become a major political power, prosper its economy and maintain a favorable external environment, Japan has to have good relations with China, because the economies of both countries will become increasingly interdependent, following China’s recent official WTO membership and further opening of its market. Therefore, Japan may be unlikely to let negative elements escalate to confrontations, as is evident from its concession on the history textbooks issue and Lee Teng-hui’s visit.
During his October 8 visit to China, Junichiro Koizumi visited the Memorial Hall of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in China and laid wreathes, which can be seen as an apology on the part of Japan to atone for its damaging bilateral relations with China early this year. It is predicted that Japan and China will maintain positive economic relations and regular political contact in the future, despite occasional friction.
(Beijing Review December 24, 2001)
