Hiroshi Saito and Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

China and Japan continue to play cat and mouse over the disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu territory which neither can claim based on history. Japan had no qualms in recognizing Kosovo under Albanian rule despite this land being blessed with ancient Orthodox Christian architecture. Meanwhile, China can’t say too much because the majority of Tibetans on a whole will not agree with being ruled by distant Beijing. Therefore, the glaring hypocrisy over a region which belonged to ancient Ryukyu (Okinawa) appears to have bypassed the historical nerve centers of Beijing and Tokyo.

Shinzo Abe who is the Prime Minister of Japan used forceful words in denouncing the latest incursion according to the worldview of Tokyo. Abe stated that Japan would “expel by force” any attempted landing by China in relation to the disputed area which Taiwan also claims. However, if China’s military did land then would the cat be Japanese or American or both – or would no cats exist?

After all, it is difficult to believe that Japan would desire to become embroiled militarily with China and clearly America doesn’t desire a limited conflict because the consequences would be too alarming to think about. In this sense, then you have “three mice sitting around” without any “real cat” being able to dictate to either side. Indeed, one mouse might even decide to remain neutral given the size of the potential economic, political and geopolitical ramifications. Therefore, the leader of Japan should be more diplomatic with his words because China may just test the water to find out how Japan would “expel by force.”

In history many minor disputes have ignited events that couldn’t be contained and clearly a military clash isn’t in the interest of America, China and Japan. It would be best to agree on a joint initiative whereby all sides agreed to refrain from military manoeuvers within a certain demarcation area. Also, the United States should notify both nations that nationalist rhetoric from either side isn’t warranted. Not only this, but given the volatility of the Korean peninsula then it is in the interest of both parties to reach a genuine accommodation.

Abe also should not be making such statements during such a sensitive period with regards to 168 lawmakers visiting the Yasukuni war shrine. After all, Japanese politicians fully understand that this reality will continue to hinder relations with regional nations like China and South Korea. Therefore, the timing of Abe’s comments was not productive towards restoring greater understanding between China and Japan.

Likewise, South Korea is extremely annoyed once more by the Yasukuni war shrine visit. In a sense, it appears that this merry-go-round is leading to hostility just for the sake of it because each year negative repercussions happen without any conclusion insight. The Emperor of Japan remains much more dignified because he refuses to pray at this shrine because clearly the Emperor understands the real ulterior motives behind all the symbolism.

Abe also shouldn’t be playing all his cards verbally. This applies to stating that “We would take decisive action against any attempt to enter territorial waters and to land…We would never allow…It would be natural for us to expel by force if (the Chinese) were to make a landing.”

In a similar vein the Chief Cabinet Secretary of Japan, Yoshihide Suga, commented that “It is extremely deplorable and unacceptable that Chinese government ships are repeatedly entering Japanese territorial waters.”

Secretly, political elites in America must be pulling their hair out because China is a powerful factor in reigning in North Korea. Therefore, with recent strange comments coming out of Pyongyang then Washington is looking to Beijing to reduce the tension. Surely the leader of Japan understands this therefore why is Abe using such language during a very delicate period surrounding the Korean peninsula?

China during parts of last year also manipulated nationalism with the consequences being anti-Japanese demonstrations. It is time for both nations to stop using rhetoric because a solution needs to be found. After all, you clearly don’t have any cat insight instead different mice ramp up the pressure from time to time. However, one day these mice might create a cat by overstepping the mark and if this happens then what?

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

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Hiroshi Saito and Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe appears to have increased tensions with China once more prior to meeting President Obama in America. Indeed, his comments appear not only insensitive but also at odds with trying to decrease tensions between both China and Japan over the territorial dispute. Not only this, with recent tensions erupting on the Korean Peninsula because of the underground nuclear test by North Korea; then now should be a time of greater diplomacy in order to contain the various disputes which blight Northeast Asia.

Not only this, by commenting so negatively towards China then Abe is also putting President Obama in a difficult situation because the American administration desires to contain the territorial crisis between China and Japan. This may be a further reminder of Abe’s last time in power whereby he created many “mountains out of small molehills” which in time undermined his leadership.

Xinhua media group in China comments that “In an interview with the Washington Post conducted before paying a visit to the U.S., Abe said China has a “deeply ingrained” need to spar with Japan and other Asian neighbors over territory, as the ruling Communist Party of China uses the disputes to maintain strong domestic support.”

Hong Lei, Foreign Ministry spokesperson for China, states that “The Chinese side was astonished at the report.”

He further highlighted that it is unusual for the leader of any nation to assault and lambast its neighbor in such a strong tone. Indeed, it must be stressed that the comment by Abe is implying multiple factors with regards to China.

Firstly, Abe is trying to lay claim that China is solely responsible for the current crisis because the political hierarchy in China uses territorial issues in order to strengthen the center at home. Secondly, Abe is implying that other nations throughout the region are also disillusioned by China’s territorial demands in other parts of Asia. Thirdly, Abe is linking the territorial issue within the political arena. After all, he is claiming that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) manipulates the people of China by using nationalism in order to preserve political power. Other connotations can be read into the statement by Abe but clearly his comments about China will do little to ease regional tensions with Beijing.

Japan, like any nation, is of course rightly concerned about regional territorial issues but greater diplomacy is needed from the top. The timing of the comment and stating this prior to meeting Obama also makes it even more potent. After all, if Abe is saying this openly then what is he saying behind the scenes to the leader of America?

China and Japan have both made mistakes over the territorial issue and clearly various problems throughout Northeast Asia remain problematic. For example, Japan and the Russian Federation have problems to solve; South Korea and Japan; China faces many territorial issues based on the sheer size of this nation and its geographic size; meanwhile Taiwan and North Korea also dispute the territorial claims of China, Japan, and South Korea, regarding the respective territorial issues which apply to both Taiwan and North Korea. Therefore, it is clear that no side is in the right because each issue is very complex and the only way to break the chains is through diplomatic channels.

It is hoped that Abe will not get carried away with his current popularity because he needs to focus on real issues related to the economy. Likewise, China must not antagonize Japan by sending vessels to the current area which is being contested. Instead, political leaders in Beijing and Tokyo need to “restart the political button” in order to try to solve the crisis. Even if China and Japan can’t reach a major agreement to solve the impasse, then at least both nations can put in special clauses to decrease the crisis, whereby a special exclusion zone is adhered to – or where joint patrols take place.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/china/2013-02/21/c_132183872.htm

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Hiroshi Saito and Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

Tensions between China and Japan appear to be reaching a new stage because all recent signs of a possible compromise are then met by new issues over the disputed territorial area. Yet the fresh crisis appears to be reaching a new level because political leaders in Tokyo are trying to embroil the international community into the issue at a much higher level. This can be seen by the government of Japan openly refuting the political hierarchy in China which denies that a naval frigate posed a threat to a Japanese ship.

According to Japan a naval frigate from China locked on its fire-control radar, thereby endangering the Japanese ship. China flatly disagreed with the accusations emanating from Japan that China endangered a Japanese vessel. However, the new government of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is adamant that China is “playing games” when it comes to the real events that took place. Therefore, the “quietist policy” of Japan appears to be at breaking point because Japan is thinking about providing their alleged evidence.

The fact that Japan is making it open to the general public and international community that they can prove their allegations is a rare measure when it comes to the disputed territorial issue with China. Of course, the territorial issue is nothing new but if China gave orders to lock on its fire-control radar – then clearly Beijing will be not only upping the ante – but it will be evidence that China’s military posture is changing.

Also, if the military and political leadership of China gave orders to challenge what they deem to be a perceived threat, then it also indicates that the fear of America is abating. After all, in recent times it is clear that America was forced to pull out of Iraq and similar measures are afoot in Afghanistan. Likewise, France and the United Kingdom were much more open to bombing Libya and clearly France tried to push nations into a confrontation with Syria alongside Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Yet America brushed aside the political pressure with regards to Syria despite negative policies towards Damascus. Similarly, France moved into Mali without the promise of major support from America. Therefore, is China also testing the water to see how America responds alongside defending their perceived rights over the disputed territory?

Of course, it is important not to blow up the situation to a level that may not exist but America on the whole is calling for restraint on both sides. China is also involved with other territorial disputes with other regional nations and the same applies to Japan. What is clear is that China is taking a big risk if Japan does provide the evidence openly because the political leadership in Beijing denies the accusations of Japan. However, whereby the situation could have been resolved between both nations and with prompting from America – it now appears that Japan is becoming disillusioned and this can be sensed by making the issue much more open.

The BBC states that “Tokyo said it might release the data after Beijing rejected accusations it had targeted the destroyer last month.China insists its ship was only using ordinary surveillance radar.”

“The incident would be the closest the two countries have come to exchanging fire in the reignited dispute over the islands in the East China Sea.”

Of course, if China challenges Japan to provide the data and then the Abe government comes up short, then this will put Japan in a very difficult position. However, it would appear to be strange for Japan to take such a gamble therefore the next few days may witness further tensions – or both sides make take a step back in order to preserve mutual dignity – over the recent major spat between both nations. It will also be interesting to see how America responds to the current crisis, when it applies to neutrality and trying to reach a compromise which suits everyone involved.

The Chinese news agency Xinhau is adamant that the Abe government in Japan is responsible for the crisis. This news agency states that “While hyping up the “China threat” with irresponsible remarks, the Abe government is boosting Japan’s military strength. For the first time in years, Japan raised its military budget this year despite its economic woes. This is seen as a worrisome signal by its Asian neighbors troubled by bitter memories of Japan’s militarism during the Second World War.”

In the same article it is stated that the “Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe made another attempt on Friday to mislead the international community by demanding China apologize for the recent radar incident.

If there is an apology to be made for the latest unease in China-Japan relations, it should be from the Japanese side.”

“The accusation that Chinese warships targeted fire-control radars at Japanese vessels in the East China Sea on Jan. 30 is a sheer fabrication. The Chinese Ministry of National Defense has confirmed that no fire-control radar was used.”

It is hoped that China and Japan can resolve the current crisis because tensions over the disputed territory isn’t warranted to this level, irrespective of which nation is responsible – or if both nations are behaving irresponsibly. China and Japan should be focused on trade, improving cultural awareness and developing closer ties in many areas. Also it is time for Northeast Asia to stop being caught in “a nationalist tide” and to resolve delicate issues through diplomatic channels.

In another article about the disputed territory by Modern Tokyo Times it was stated that “the status quo was not perfect but once Japan bought part of the area and nationalized Senkaku/Diaoyu by stealth; then clearly China was not going to ignore this. However, instead of going through the political channels and addressing things more appropriately, the nationalist angle created a very negative image.”

It is hoped that political elites in Beijing and Tokyo will take a step back and re-evaluate their respective policies towards Senkaku/Diaoyu because it is clear that the current crisis is reaching a new stage. Therefore, before it gets out of control both nations need to take a step back from the militarization of the area, in order to reach a genuine political solution which is long lasting and which suits both parties.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-21392248

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/indepth/2013-02/09/c_132161466.htm

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Hiroshi Saito, Walter Sebastian and Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

The government of Japan under Prime Minister Abe needs to avoid the containment policy of America towards China. It should be remembered that in history the Middle Kingdom was not a threat to the sovereignty of Japan. However, the nation of America literally demanded trade with Japan at the point of a gun – either open up or face the consequences.

Yet China was instrumental in spreading Buddhism to Japan along with the nation of Korea and also brought the wisdom of Confucianism and other powerful ideas. Many powerful cultural traits of the Middle Kingdom spread throughout Japan. This applies to the arts, religion, philosophy, gardens and a whole array of other powerful cultural traits. Therefore, throughout history the Middle Kingdom brought learning to Japan and likewise famous Japanese scholars spread their knowledge to China.

On the downside is more recent history related to the war which still lingers between China and Japan. Of course, just like all major disputes both sides will believe in different histories and of course different thinking will exist in both nations. However, overall the relationship between the Middle Kingdom and Japan throughout history was more than positive because it enriched both nations.

President Obama of America clearly supports the “containment” of China and sadly within the new Abe administration in Japan you feel a sense of similar thinking but it is too early to say. Therefore, Tokyo must view history for what it is and then judge the powerful forces of the past which united the people of Northeast Asia. Once this is weighed up against the reality of outside nations which brought exploitation, control mechanisms and created wedges where they once never existed. Then the government of Japan should be brave enough to choose a new path. After all, why does Japan want to be viewed to be “a puppet” of America instead of being an equal?

In recent times the tense relationship between Beijing and Tokyo can be seen by events that have occurred over the Senkaku/Diaoyu dispute and which are sadly continuing. Neither China nor Japan is acting in the interest of Northeast Asia because division will only benefit nations which have a vested interest in keeping a natural alignment apart. History tells us that China and Japan is a natural alignment because even during the closed door Edo period of Japan you still had Japanese elites which adored the trappings of the high culture of China.

Hillary Clinton, the United States Secretary of State, commented that America opposes “any unilateral actions that would seek to undermine (the) Japanese administration” in relation to the disputed territory between China and Japan. In other words, Senkaku (Diaoyu) belongs to Japan and America wants to see China accepting this.

Hillary Clinton also made it clear that the Japan-United States Security Treaty means that America is obligated to protect Japan if hostilities break out over issues related to the disputed region. It is clear that Hillary Clinton will have been given the go ahead to state this by Obama. However, the timing is dangerous because it is still unclear which posture the current Abe administration will take. Therefore, now is not the right time to come up with such a carte blanche statement. After all, the issue should apply to which side is over stepping the mark and that conflict resolutions are in the interest of all parties involved.

Fumio Kishida, the Foreign Minister of Japan, stated that “While Japan will not concede and will uphold our fundamental position that the Senkaku Islands are inherent territory of Japan, we intend to respond calmly so as not to provoke China.”

In another article by Modern Tokyo Times it was stated that“Japan should stay out of the loop regarding this issue because given America’s past history and conflict in Afghanistan, Iraq, Kosovo, and Vietnam, it would be unwise to follow America’s logic under Obama. Yes, Japan and America have shared interests in protecting Japan because of constitutional constraints which hinder the independence of political leaders in Tokyo. However, Japan doesn’t need to become embroiled in any containment of China because this could lead to future military complications if tensions erupted between political leaders in Washington and Beijing.”

“Also, it is in the interest of Japan to foster closer ties with China but based on equality because economic investment and past cultural interactions in history were always favorable until the late nineteenth century. Therefore, instead of becoming embroiled in “Obama’s Cold War logic” political leaders in Tokyo should become “a bridge” between both America and China. After all, it is in the interest of Japan to have favorable relations with America and Japan because all nations are major economic powers irrespective of current debt related issues.”

It is therefore essential that political leaders in Beijing and Tokyo open up a new modern chapter between both nations in order to keep negative outside forces out. The future of Northeast Asia could move to a different level providing regional nations move closer together. Of course, America and the Russian Federation are also powerful players with regards to various areas in this strategic region – yet mistrust remains and this is hindering regional realignment. Therefore, America should not encourage any party irrespective if it is Beijing or Tokyo; instead the realignment of regional nations should be the focus along with increasing trade and cultural initiatives involving all nations throughout Northeast Asia.

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

http://moderntokyotimes.com

Joachim de Villiers, Hiroshi Saito and Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

The United States and Japan are currently holding military exercises which will last until November 16. Yet the biennial military exercise called Keen Sword appears to show a lack of sensitivity towards the people of Okinawa. This applies to the existing tensions between Okinawa and mainland Japan which continues to brush aside the demands of local people.

Currently the United States military is being forced to keep its head down in Okinawa after recent rape allegations and because of a brutal attack against a teenager. Of course, the issue of American bases throughout Okinawa runs much deeper. This doesn’t only apply to the actions of the United States but also towards the government of Japan. Yet with such recent heightened tensions over the deployment of MV-22 Osprey and the behavior of American troops, then once more it appears that the people of Okinawa are not viewed highly to political leaders based in Tokyo.

In Okinawa, many local people believe that the central government in Japan treats this area like a second-class region. This is based on the reality that a sizeable amount of the armed forces of America are stationed in Okinawa compared to mainland Japan. Historical realities also mean that the indigenous people of Okinawa seem to be a pawn which is openly manipulated by Tokyo and Washington. Therefore, if Okinawa is truly part of Japan, then why are the wishes of local people ignored so much?

The people of Okinawa on the whole are not demanding the expulsion of all American bases but they do want mainland Japan to share the burden. America is not insensitive to the demands of Okinawa but clearly the central government of Japan seems distant. After all, over 70% of all American forces are based in Okinawa despite repeated demands for sharing the responsibility with mainland Japan.

In the New York Times editorial (November 2, 2012) it is stated that “Many Okinawans believe, with justification, that their views are irrelevant to the Japanese government and the United States, whose geopolitical priorities trump local concerns about jet crashes, noise, environmental destruction and crime. That has not stopped protesters from tirelessly raising objections, most strongly in 1995, when three servicemen gang-raped a schoolgirl, and in September, when tens of thousands demonstrated against the deployment of the Osprey.”

Further down in the same editorial it states about America that political leaders“…should move swiftly to lighten its presence on Okinawa, by shifting troops to Guam, Hawaii and elsewhere in Japan. Okinawans will feel safer and less aggrieved only when they believe that Japan and the United States are taking their objections seriously.”

The sad truth is that political leaders in Tokyo appear to view the area to be second-class because historically Okinawa (Ryukyu Kingdom) never belonged to Japan. Therefore, the government of Japan is still viewing Okinawa in a subservient manner. This policy is not only backfiring against political leaders in Tokyo but it is also impacting on America and the military forces based throughout Japan. Given this reality, then Washington should make the first move because little seems to change the hearts of political leaders in Tokyo.

Currently, relations between China and Japan have hit rock bottom because of the territorial dispute. Yet for people in Okinawa it is the lack of transparency within successive governments based in Tokyo which is the real issue.

Therefore, the current joint military exercises by America and Japan in the waters of Okinawa is also a symbol of major powers ignoring the wishes of local people. China may hog the headlines because of the current tense situation with Japan over territory. Yet in Okinawa it appears that their voices count for nothing because countless demonstrations and protests have not altered the major imbalance of American forces being based in Okinawa.

In the Asahi Shimbun (article written by Satoshi Okumura, Norio Yatsu and Tsukasa Kimura) it was stated that“Huge protests erupted in Okinawa Prefecture and other parts of Japan over the deployment of the Osprey to Okinawa Prefecture. Residents and local leaders cited the spotty safety record of the aircraft, and they repeated that the island prefecture continues to shoulder the overwhelming burden of hosting U.S. military bases under the Japan-U.S. security alliance.”

The government of Japan just like China uses nationalist rhetoric over the ongoing territorial dispute between both nations. Ironically, however, many people in Okinawa are also disillusioned with political leaders in mainland Japan because of the second-class nature of the treatment of people from Okinawa. It is time for political elites in distant Tokyo to wake-up to the demands of local people in Okinawa. Also, Washington must do more to defuse the situation.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/behind_news/politics/AJ201210310074

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Pierre Leblanc and Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

The United States under President Obama is at pains to distance itself from the ongoing and never ending saga of Senkaku/Diaoyu. Japan and China continue to clash over this issue and Taiwan is also waiting in the wings because this nation also claims the same area. However, with respect to Taiwan, it is the clash between Japan and China which appears more problematic.

Japan and America already have differences over military bases in Okinawa. Also, for the indigenous people of Okinawa, then they perceive that their interests have been sidelined by both Japan and America. After all, a sizeable amount of American forces are based in Okinawa. Despite this, on the whole relations between Japan and America are positive because both governments have mutual shared interests throughout the region.

However, the issue over Senkaku/Diaoyu is clearly an unwanted problem in Washington. This reality means that the Obama administration is at pains to keep a neutral stance. Therefore, political elites in Washington are at pains to reduce the tension between Japan and China. This fact is based on history whereby many conflicts have emerged over minor issues which have been blown up by one side, or by both protagonists because of hidden motives related to issues at home.

Kenichiro Sasae, future ambassador to Washington later this month, told the Asahi Shimbun that “The U.S. government has made it clear that the islands are covered by the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty…Its stance cannot be neutral if it is to respond firmly in the event of use of force or provocation.”

This statement by Kenichiro Sasae may be technically correct but not in its entire usage. If Japan was seen to be the party responsible, then clearly America will make their decision on this and other important issues. America can’t give carte blanche to any under-handed policies emanating from Tokyo. This isn’t implying that Japan is to blame for the current state of affairs between Japan and China over the disputed territory. Yet clearly America can ill afford to get involved with a limited war with China over an issue which can’t be sold back home.

Kenichiro Sasae also claims that the purchase of Senkaku/Diaoyu by the Japanese government was the best solution. He states this because Governor Shintaro Ishihara had stated that the metropolitan government of Tokyo would try to purchase the disputed area. Yet, while it is factual that Shintaro Ishihara shares nationalist tendencies, it also seems inconceivable that this couldn’t have been blocked by the legal system of Japan. In this sense, political leaders in Beijing “smell a rat” and irrespective if this is false, it does appear rather strange that such a tame excuse is being provided.

Kenichiro Sasae further comments that “It is important to recognize afresh each other’s role as allies in the changing global and Asian landscape and make a new Japan-U.S. relationship a starting point to cope with challenges together.” This comment is reasonable and applies to all partners internationally which have shared interests. However, the hands of America are tied when it comes to many international issues because no single power can dictate their respective geopolitical objectives.

America and other nations began to meddle in Afghanistan to a much larger extent from 1980 and this entailed many failed policies which initially favored Islamist terrorism and indoctrination. Over 30 years later and Afghanistan remains a failed state whereby opium continues to be sold and where terrorist attacks occur daily. Likewise, Iraq is still in crisis because of terrorism which followed the meddling of America and other nations and now Syria is being destabilized. On top of this, Libya is now a failed state and the chaos from this country is impacting on northern Mali. Maybe Kenichiro Sasae needs to focus on this reality and the growing influence of the Russian Federation, China, BRICS and other nations and organizations.

In another article by Modern Tokyo Times it was stated that “In Japan you have nationalism within the thinking of the two local leaders in Tokyo and Osaka respectively. However, Shintaro Ishihara and Toru Hashimoto are out of step with the majority of Japanese nationals. Their political winning tickets are based on having strong personalities, being focused on business and expressing their thinking openly. Therefore, the current images of nationalists in China attacking things which are connected with Japan seem a million miles away to what is happening in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Kobe and other leading cities in Japan.”

“The dispute over Senkaku/Diaoyu is not in the interest of both nations but China’s overreaction is raising alarm bells. After all, many Japanese companies have invested in China and clearly it must be unsettling for Japanese nationals residing in this nation and doing business openly under the current conditions. Equally alarming, is that China appears to believe that it can bully Japan into submission by using “the nationalist switch” when deemed convenient.”

“Not all the blame can be put on China. After all, the status quo was not perfect but once Japan bought part of the area and nationalized Senkaku/Diaoyu by stealth; then clearly China was not going to ignore this. However, instead of going through the political channels and addressing things more appropriately, the nationalist angle created a very negative image.”

It is clear that Japan and China have made mistakes once more when it comes to this disputed area. After all, it matters not that Japan made the first error of judgment because the responses aren’t warranted by the tactics employed by political elites in Beijing. The dispute also highlights the decreasing power mechanisms of America and that the alliance between Japan and America isn’t so tight. At no point is Beijing overtly concerned about the role of America over this dispute because political leaders understand that America can ill afford another military conflict. This is based on the recent disasters of Afghanistan and Iraq following on from the distant legacies of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos.

In this sense, America may trigger an increasing right-wing movement in Japan based on contradictory forces. One, that American bases and policies are an affront to Japan’s independence and secondly that Washington can’t protect Japan when it comes to important territorial disputes with China, the Russian Federation, South Korea and Taiwan respectively. Ironically, it is these two contradictory forces which Tokyo should be worried about and the same applies to America. After all, at the moment it does appear that Japan is on its own when it comes to the Senkaku/Diaoyu dispute. Therefore, the mutual agreements between Japan and America may be “a paper tiger” when it comes to the territorial interests of Japan?

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

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Pierre Leblanc and Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

Nationalist saber-rattling in China is being met with composed indifference in Japan where it is business like usual. Indeed, if you were to see a mirror image of how the current crisis is being managed then clearly one angle would show Chinese nationalism; while the Japanese angle would show patience.

Witnessing images of Chairman Mao also seemed rather out of step with the reality of modern China and Japan. After all, you have much greater equality within Japan where the income gap is not noticeable for the vast majority of people. However, in China the gap between rich and poor is enormous and clearly many within the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) have got rich by “milking the system.” Of course, many Japanese politicians, just like political leaders in France and the United Kingdom, have also been involved in milking the system. However, the perception is that the CCP should be above this based on the founding ideology which was meant to be based on socialism.

If Chairman Mao came back from the dead today then clearly he would believe that Japan is rather socialist when it comes to greater equality. However, he would be confused by the enormous income disparity in China and the rampant reality of materialism within many areas of modern China. Similarly, the gap between schools for poor children in China and the ruling elites would shock Chairman Mao because the “Communist Revolution” is now a “Capitalist Revolution.” Indeed, it isn’t the forces of communism than Japan needs to worry about. On the contrary, it is the forces of nationalism and the dangers of the current political vacuum in China which is problematic.

In Japan you have nationalism within the thinking of the two local leaders in Tokyo and Osaka respectively. However, Shintaro Ishihara and Toru Hashimoto are out of step with the majority of Japanese nationals. Their political winning tickets are based on having strong personalities, being focused on business and expressing their thinking openly. Therefore, the current images of nationalists in China attacking things which are connected with Japan seems a million miles away to what is happening in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Kobe and other leading cities in Japan.

The dispute over Senkaku/Diaoyu is not in the interest of both nations but China’s overreaction is raising alarm bells. After all, many Japanese companies have invested in China and clearly it must be unsettling for Japanese nationals residing in this nation and doing business openly under the current conditions. Equally alarming, is that China appears to believe that it can bully Japan into submission by using “the nationalist switch” when deemed convenient.

Not all the blame can be put on China. After all, the status quo was not perfect but once Japan bought part of the area and nationalized Senkaku/Diaoyu by stealth; then clearly China was not going to ignore this. However, instead of going through the political channels and addressing things more appropriately, the nationalist angle created a very negative image.

Shintaro Ishihara, the Japanese nationalist maverick, raised the issue of Tokyo buying the disputed area earlier this year. This should have been firmly rejected by the government of Japan. After all, the Senkaku/Diaoyu dispute is not related to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Not only this, in the past Shintaro Ishihara showed his own nationalist credentials by stating comments which were not befitting of a leader of a major international city. Therefore, the intrigues of Shintaro Ishihara, issues related to Yasukuni Shrine and comments made about comfort women by Toru Hashimoto, are firm reminders that Japan isn’t helping itself internationally when it comes to history.

Level heads are needed on both sides and given the reality that neither nation will accept the control of Senkaku/Diaoyu; then another option must be found. This applies to both China and Japan accepting political and legal arbitration – and then abiding by the final decision. Or China and Japan should agree to joint ownership and rotate the governance in order to reach a mutual accommodation. Of course, Taiwan also is laying claims to the disputed area but this will only complicate matters even further.

The nationalist card is not needed irrespective of which side is using this card or if both nations are using this approach. Instead, the deadlock needs to be broken and bad faith must end in order to reach accommodation. Japan was wrong to buy the disputed area under the prevailing conditions and China is equally wrong for stoking up nationalism. Therefore, it is essential that “an honest broker” is found in order to solve this ongoing issue.

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

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Joachim de Villiers and Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

The world appears to be going through a stage whereby blatant intimidation is being used in order to justify ignorance and hatred. Issues related to Chinese nationalism over a territorial dispute with Japan and Muslims killing mainly fellow Muslims over a minor video clip have both ushered in the forces of hatred. Of course the numbers involved in demonstrating in China, just like Muslims demonstrating in many parts of the world, are relatively small in real terms but the intimidation is overbearing and a threat to normal relations.

In many mainly Muslim nations the world is continuing to witness not only open intimidation but the killing of innocents. Just like the vast majority of terrorist attacks by various radical Sunni Islamist terrorist organizations the main victims are fellow Muslims. Where is the justice in killing and attacking individuals who are innocent of any wrongdoing? Is this religious and does this highlight peace?

Like usual the inconsistencies in both camps are astonishingly obvious. If Chinese nationalists are so concerned about the rights and wrongs of territory, then why are these nationalists focused on a small area which is disputed by China, Japan and Taiwan? After all, within the nation of China you have issues like Tibet and Xinjiang which are much bigger in terms of landmass, population, religious differences and cultural factors.

However, political leaders claim that these two areas belong to China and that the centralized state is developing both areas in order to modernize and help all the nationals of these two parts of the nation. This is disputed within both areas by certain ethnic and religious groups who fear being dominated by the Han Chinese. Of course the problem is very complex but how would China like it if nationalists in Japan began to attack cultural areas related to this nation over the Tibetan and Xinjiang issues?

Chinese civilization throughout a vast period of time was very powerful within Japan and even today the richness of Chinese culture is evident in many areas related to art, philosophy, architecture and other powerful areas. Therefore, ancient scholars from China enlightened many aspects of Japanese culture. This notably applies to religious and philosophical areas which helped the land of the rising sun. It wasn’t all one way because famous Japanese scholars and religious leaders travelled around China. In this sense, the nations of China and Japan have so much in common and today cultural exchanges and economic ties are powerful. However, the nationalist card in China and mass demonstrations alongside attacking things related to Japan will leave a lasting impression.

Turning to events in the Muslim world and also witnessing new demonstrations in mainly non-Muslim nations. Then attacking embassies, inciting hatred, parading “a bloodlust” and showing a religious fervor based on hate isn’t going to help. Also, if such a meaningless video clip is going to arouse such anger then in a sense they are showing that violence is a natural tool whereby religious fanatics can dictate by intimidation. Within America you will be able to buy many videos which show Catholic nuns being porn stars in countless numbers of pornographic role plays. Likewise, you also will have a lot of anti-Christian and other literature attacking major faiths. However, this is rightly or wrongly an aspect which exists within a minor area of Western culture whereby nothing is deemed sacred.

Today in the land of Mecca and Medina all apostates from Islam face the death penalty and not one single Christian church, Buddhist temple, Hindu temple and other non-Muslim places of worship are allowed. Likewise, a non-Muslim male could face the death penalty in Saudi Arabia if they desired to marry a Muslim woman – this is real hatred which is sanctioned by state institutions and the legal system of Saudi Arabia. However, non-Muslims are not attacking the embassies of Saudi Arabia and likewise why aren’t Muslims demonstrating against such injustice in Saudi Arabia whereby non-Muslims and the Shia are treated unequally? Or is it fine to just switch on and off so-called morality because it doesn’t suit the “victim card and agenda?”

In 2012 minorities Muslim groups within the mainly Muslim world have had many massacres directed towards them just for believing in the same religion differently. In Pakistan bus attacks have happened whereby all Shia Muslims were gunned down. Similarly, leading figures within the Sufi faith have been killed in Dagestan and Tatarstan in the Russian Federation by Salafists. At the same time Sufi Muslim shrines and religious monuments are being attacked in northern Mali, Libya, Somalia and other parts of the world by the same Sunni Islamist forces inciting so much hatred. Meanwhile in Syria many Alawites have been beheaded and Shia Muslims have been killed based on sectarianism. Iraq is no different because Sunni Islamist terrorist groups have been killing Shia Muslims for many years and if Sunni Muslims happen to be in the same vicinity then the same terrorist attacks will kill them.

However, where are the demonstrations against this brutal reality? Likewise, why aren’t Muslims showing the same passion towards honor killings and acid attacks which are all too common in some mainly Muslim nations?

Issues related to rape, child abuse, drugs and other terrible areas are global problems irrespective of ethnicity, religion or geography. Sadly, you have many stains against humanity in all societies irrespective of the continent and so forth. Therefore, the same demonstrations in the mainly Muslim world and Chinese nationalists in China should focus on cleaning up their own societies first instead of intimidating others by blind hatred.

The individuals involved in the petty and poorly made video clip (couldn’t call it a film) about Mohammed don’t represent the American government. They merely represent individuals who desire to make a quick buck and to ridicule people of another faith in order to fulfill personal inadequacies. Similar past issues related to areas of “cultural and religious sensitivity” have also sparked the deaths of innocents. This issue needs to be resolved because religious individuals have to stop holding their own faiths to ransom alongside inciting hatred towards others.

Currently the scenes being witnessed are a clear reminder that “mob rule” can be whipped up at the drop of the hat. This is doing a disservice to the Islamic faith and the people of China. Mohammed doesn’t need “people” to defend him if they believe that God will judge on the Day of Judgment (Yawm ad-Din). Likewise, the nation of China doesn’t need nationalists to do its bidding because this nation is powerful enough by itself to resolve issues with any nation.

Muslims in nations like France need more places to open mosques for worship and restrictions in Switzerland need to be challenged. Similarly, issues related to history between China and Japan needs to be resolved and Japan needs to understand the pain of Yasukuni shrine related to “war criminals” and other issues related to comfort women. No side is purely right or wrong – but intimidation is always wrong.

Normality is needed whereby real bridges and wrongs can be overcome through open dialogue and understanding “the other side.” Mob rule is not the way to highlight “injustice” or alleged wrongs. The United States, France and the United Kingdom also have to stop meddling in the Middle East and other parts of the world because “this colonial attitude” isn’t helping.

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

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Ri Kuk-Chol and Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

Japan and North Korea have had a frosty relationship for far too long and it is hoped that officials from both nations will have laid the foundation stone for genuinely turning the corner. Of course, expectations are not too high because of countless stumbling blocks on both sides. However, if officials from Japan and North Korea can overcome genuine concerns and at least start to “walk together,” even if not in complete unison, then this will be positive.

North Korea must understand that negative relations with Japan only serve the enemies of Pyongyang. Likewise, political leaders in Tokyo have recently witnessed the “nationalist switch” in China and South Korea respectively. Therefore, it is clear in Tokyo that the only “trusted friend” in the region is Taiwan. Yet if the “Chinese economic bandwagon” one day swallows this island economically, then even this solace may be taken away.

The Russian Federation is also a central nation in the geopolitical reality of Northeast Asia and throughout other parts of Asia. After all, political elites in Moscow fully understand the geopolitical importance of Central Asia and developing strong ties with China and India respectively. At the same time the geopolitical importance of Mongolia is fully understood in the Russian Federation. Therefore, Japan should overcome its petty nationalist tendencies towards this major power and seek a solution to the disputed areas, which continue to hinder a powerful friendship based on mutual trust.

Turning back to events covering the talks today between officials from Japan and North Korea, it is obvious that both nations need to “break their respective chains.” The new political leader in North Korea can show the world that he is open to sweeping geopolitical changes alongside supporting genuine economic reforms with the help of China. Given this reality, Kim Jong-un can genuinely try to reach the masses based on the similar motives of Deng Xiaoping in China when he came to power.

The Chief Cabinet Secretary of Japan, Osamu Fujimura, stated prior to the meeting that “The abduction issue will be included as a matter of course.” Likewise, Koichiro Gemba, Foreign Minister of Japan, spoke in a similar vein when he stated that “We’d like to ask the North Korean side to positively work on pending issues between the two countries including the abduction issue.”

However, despite the seriousness of this issue it is clear that political leaders in Tokyo must move towards a more broad approach. Surely, other more important issues like the nuclear angle, geopolitical concerns, testing military hardware and building economic bridges must outweigh the continuing stumbling blocks. Once other developments move forward then naturally North Korea will be more forthcoming.

Japan must understand that millions of Koreans died defending Korean nationalism from Japanese imperialism and then against American aggression during the Korean War. After the brutal Korean War the United States then supported successive authoritarian governments in South Korea before the onset of democracy in this nation. It is too easy to point the finger at North Korea but the reality is that all nations have their own histories and outside forces led to a siege mentality in Pyongyang – but this siege mentality was not based on whims but on hard facts related to history.

Japan and North Korea need to forgo the historical and political obstacles in order to radically alter the situation. Osamu Fujimura stated that “We have been working based on the principle of settling the unfortunate past and on restoring normal relations.”

The new leader of North Korea showed sincerity by allowing a group of nationals from Japan to reclaim loved ones who died because of the tragic events of World War Two. Sadao Masaki, who is part of this group, commented that “Things have proceeded to a stage that is beyond what we had even hoped for. We are extremely grateful.”

In another article by Modern Tokyo Times about relations between Japan and North Korea, it was stated that“Some analysts are indicating that North Korea is reaching out because of current tensions between Japan and other regional nations based on territorial issues. For example harsh comments have been made by the leader of South Korea towards Japan in recent times. However, this is too cynical because the new leader of North Korea must be judged on what happens during his leadership.”

Analysts in Japan and North Korea are eagerly awaiting the outcome and clearly major powers throughout the region will be watching events closely. It is only hoped that political leaders in Japan and North Korea will move forward by showing sincerity and mutual respect.

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

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Hiroshi Saito and Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

The continent of Europe witnessed countless convulsions throughout the twentieth century but despite the recent economic downturn, the European Union (EU) remains to be a powerful bridge which can eradicate past enmities. Of course the EU is much more complex than the “petty nationalist angle” which continues to blight Northeast Asia. After all, the EU is based on democracy, social issues, economics, business functions, human rights and a whole array of areas. Yet in Northeast Asia nations can play the nationalist care at the drop of a hat.

In 2009 the political convulsions sweeping Japan ushered in a major breakthrough from the usual stranglehold of politics under the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). The Lower House elections of 2009 ushered in the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ). With this major political swing within the body politic of Japan, the DPJ promised to develop powerful relations with regional nations in Northeast Asia.

Moving the clock to August 2012 and it would appear that this dream remains unfulfilled. After all, the specter of “petty nationalism” in China and South Korea towards Japan is a grim reminder that the shared space remains divided because of history and political manipulation. The United States which is a staunch ally of Japan and South Korea must be perplexed by the current rift between Japan and South Korea.

It appears that the government of Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda is bent on taking stronger action towards South Korea rather than China. This may be based on certain political dynamics in China related to internal issues whereby any rhetoric is often aimed at domestic issues. On the surface it may appear that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) takes a tough stand from time to time towards Japan but underneath the CCP　wants to enhance and increase powerful forces between both nations. This applies most notably to the economic field, currency related issues, maintaining a balance of order and other important areas.

The negative geopolitical dynamics of South Korea are overtly focused on issues related to North Korea and Japan. Of course many powerful positives exist between Japan and South Korea. For example in the field of economics and other important areas related to the role of America within Northeast Asia. Also, in recent times the South Korean cultural angle proved to be very powerful within Japan. This applies to South Korean film stars, Korean pop music (K-Pop), tourism, Korean dramas and other important areas. However, all this can be destroyed in a moment of “petty nationalism” whereby political leaders abuse their power based on self interests.

Sadly, President Lee Myung-bak of South Korea is playing the “self interest” game because his visit to Dokdo/Takeshima islets, and other outbursts against Japan, appear unrelated to his past favorable comments aimed at this country. It could be that the recent political changes in North Korea have cast a shadow within his government and that he also wants to play the nationalist card for internal political motives. It is also possible that Lee Myung-bak is irked by Japan and North Korea tentatively taking positive initial steps to break the current political impasse between both nations.

Japan fully understands that for China the bigger picture is not Japan but is America. This notably applies to the Obama administration putting a stronger emphasis on containing China geopolitically while maintaining powerful economic forces between both nations. China is also more concerned about relations with India because of border issues and the complex Pakistan geopolitical minefield between all three nations. Therefore, while Japan looms large in China in the area of economics the same doesn’t apply to military and other important areas apart from the angle of American bases in Japan. Even this angle is not so negative for China because while America remains vital for Japan’s security it also means that Japan is contained in the military arena.

Given this, Japan appears to be more focused on taking a firmer stance towards South Korea. In an article published in the Asahi Shimbum (link at the bottom of this article) it was stated that “On Aug. 17, the government decided to propose to South Korea jointly submitting a case to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over the territorial dispute related to the Takeshima islands. That day, Noda told reporters, “I hope South Korea will appear before the court.” He later criticized Lee’s remarks and actions over the past days as regrettable and also sent a letter to Lee informing him of Japan’s ICJ proposal.”

Prime Minister Noda also commented about the current crisis with China with regards to the territorial issue. He stated that “It is very regrettable that they encroached on Japanese territorial waters and landed on Uotsurishima island…I want to handle issues related to national sovereignty with unwavering resolve, even at the risk of my political future.”

Therefore, the ongoing distrust in Northeast Asia remains and clearly fences need to be made which are permanent in order for the forces of “petty nationalism” to be defeated. The ongoing crisis in Northeast Asia is also a firm reminder that the region is stuck in a time warp because of past history which can be turned on and off to suit political leaders. Until all three nations forge a policy to solve the territorial issues and other factors related to the past, then little will change. After all, the same issues keep on propping up when internal domestic issues need to be hidden by “petty nationalism.”

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

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http://ajw.asahi.com/article/behind_news/politics/AJ201208180049