EDITOR’S NOTE: Below is a statement by the Embassy of Japan in Trinidad in response to a statement by the Embassy of China in Dominica named “Japan’s Refusal to Face up to Its Aggressive Past is Posing a Serious Threat to Global Peace.”
Everyone knows that relations between Japan and China are strained, especially in the East China Sea. Japan has been exercising utmost restraint. When a Chinese destroyer directed its fire-control radar at a Japanese destroyer last year, which in normal naval practice might be regarded as an act of war, the Japanese vessel made an evasive manoeuvre rather than risk further endangering the situation. Chinese ships repeatedly intrude into Japanese territorial waters surrounding the Senkaku Islands, which have been peacefully under Japan’s sovereignty for 120 years. Japan is deeply concerned with Beijing’s unilateral declaration of an Air Defence Identification Zone covering the islands, overlapping with Japan’s own ADIZ, and to the announcing recourse to “defensive emergency measures” if necessary. Such measures unduly infringe the freedom of flight in international airspace and will have serious impacts on the order of international aviation. Still, Japan continues to call for dialogue.
Can Japan really be considered to be displaying dangerous militarism, as stated in the recent statement from the Chinese Embassy in Dominica that was posted on Dominica News Online on January 9, 2014?
Let us outline some facts. Japan’s record over the past 68 years shows the strength of its democracy, its respect for human rights (one is not arrested in Japan for criticising the government), its commitment to peace (e.g. a strong contribution to UN peace-keeping operations), and its willingness to help developing countries. Our maritime forces never harass neighbours on the high seas, and we have upheld in action the values inscribed in the UN Charter. Such values are so deeply ingrained in Japan that a visit to a shrine cannot undo them.
It is ironic that a country that has increased its own military spending by more than 10% a year for the past 20 years should call a neighbour “militarist”. China’s military budget is now the second largest in the world and more than twice that of Japan’s. Its attempt to change the status quo by force or coercion has raised concerns not only in Japan, but also among its neighbours throughout the East China Sea and the South China Sea.
Prime Minister Abe issued a statement entitled “Pledge for everlasting peace” upon his recent visit to Yasukuni Shrine. He said his visit was made to pay his respects and pray for the souls of the war dead and to renew the pledge that Japan shall never again wage war. Nothing more and nothing less, and by no means to pay homage to war criminals or to praise militarism. He also visited “Chinrei-sha”, a remembrance memorial to pray for the souls of all of those, irrespective of nationality, who lost their lives in the war. As he clearly stated at the time, Japan has created a free and democratic country and consistently walked the path of peace for the past 68 years, and there is no doubt whatsoever that Japan will continue to pursue this path.
Such a visit cannot be portrayed as a sign of reviving militarism. In the past, Japan caused tremendous suffering to the people of many countries, particularly in Asia. The Government of Japan has consistently made clear that it squarely faces this history, and expresses deep remorse and heartfelt apology. This stance is firmly upheld under the Abe Government.
It is important to note inconsistencies in China’s stance toward Yasukuni. More than 60 visits to Yasukuni have been made by Japanese Prime Ministers since the end of WWII, with almost half taking place after it was made public in 1979 that 14 Class A war criminals had been enshrined there in 1978. China began raising this issue from 1985, by which time more than 20 of these visits had gone unchallenged. China also formally expressed its positive evaluation of Japan’s post-war record as nation of peace in the Japan-China Joint Statement of 2008, after all of these visits. Has Japan suddenly turned militaristic within five years? Certainly not.
China may well have different views. This is why the two countries should meet and seek mutual understanding. Prime Minister Abe stated that he wishes to build friendship with China based on respect, and that he strongly wishes to explain his thoughts directly to the Chinese leaders.
East Asia is now at a crossroads. There are two paths open to China. One is to seek dialogue, and abide by the rule of law. The other is to escalate tensions, although Japan will not escalate the situation from its side. The answer seems obvious. Although China has so far refused to enable dialogue between our leaders, we sincerely hope that it will come forward, rather than keep invoking the ghost of “militarism” of seven decades ago, which no longer exists.
Dialogue between the two leaders is an excellent idea and a first step.However there needs to be a facilitator for any talks to have a chance, one who will help set the tone, the agenda, the time and place etc.This is where Dominica can grab international posture by offering to facilitate those talks.
But I will add that talk for talking sake is not good enough.Lets keep the spirit of Nelson Mandella alive by stop looking back only at who did what to whom and plan a way forward for reconciliation and a peaceful world.We must be willing to give a little
Both China and Japan are friends of Dominica. Both Japan and China have contributed substantially to Dominica’s development for which we are grateful.
Dominica is a peaceful democratic country and our desire is that our friends conduct themselves the same. These Asian giants have long histories and naturally have had issues with each another from time to time. Dominica’s policy has been one of resolute non-interference.
They are very intelligent and resourceful people. We expect them to resolve their differences in a mature manner in accordance with international law. The United Nations is therefore the appropriate forum to debate these matters rather than dueling embassy statements.
Long live mutual respect and cooperation with China and Japan!
if allu believe i sendin one stone when allu havin war allu dam lie.so long i waitin for my pm to give a statement where him na.i tired see mr dem in d country dey hav all de jobs i brokes
Dominica should not side with any of these countries. Then again at the end Dominica will choose. Hope it is the best choice.
our relations with china does not give us the right to be friends of japan or aney of the country which do not support the one china policy it is clear to see and understand dominica does not have the right to support or not support without the permission from china beggers are not choseers
Well Japan has acknowledged that their past behavior has been barbaric, especially towards the Chinese…looks like now that China has grown big and strong,,,,must be payback time.
We are informed of the happenings on the outside of dominica unlike the chinese pple. China needs to remember that
I just hope that this government has enough sense to see what is really going on, and not believe the retherick, but rather do research and obtain the facts. The Japanese people (speaking from experience) are very respectful people…
What is retherick nuh?
brother japan use to invade china,back in the days,japan is only quite now,because america teach them a lesson,this people people take their own lives, if they dishonor themselves in a sword fight,their airforce use to commit kamakazi,take their planes and explode on US warships,taking their own lives,this people got a history of war,whatever is going on between this people and china right now,we have little insight, the tibet story,their is lot a more to it,than the media is telling us,america is oweing china 1.3 trillion dollars,why is that,read between the lines,if you are a socialist country,why is a capitalist country borrowing money from you,there is also a story,that tibet was sold to the chinese years ago,right now tibet is major tourist attraction,who knows if the west is not behind all the distabilization and decent,we are in the west far from the knowledge on what is really going on in the east,we live in a very crooked world,that’s why we live in the west,china is becoming very dominant,and when ever you rise,people look to bring you down,human nature, china votes with russia,that is true,but china boarders with russia,so china has a security question,so everthing is politics,we are on the outside looking in,and we know,is what the media feeds us,like i said,put two and two together,before you judge china.
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True, Japan has a very dark history as well, take Okinawa for example, they weren’t Japanese, rather Japan invaded them and slaughtered many of them, and forced them to learn Japanese, having done that their original language is near completely lost
Rhetoric…. The word is rhetoric. Japan took those islands by force more than a century ago and the Chinese never agreed to Japan’s claim to them. This conflict is 120 yrs old
A past American President stated something to the effect that if you are not with us, you are against us but Dominica should avoid this doctrine in its international relations because it is well known that ‘Cockroach does not belong in fowl fight’. While Japan and China may have their differences now, over time they will resolve those differences so, it’s not in Dominica’s interest to take sides. However, there is nothing wrong with facilitating peaceful resolution of issues, if possible.
We need a One Japan Policy in this country as their values resemble ours, down with communism i say.
Stop talking sot! There is only one Japan why would we need a “One Japan Policy” lol
…one is not arrested in Japan for criticising the government. I LIKE!
In terms of Int. diplomatic relations, is it a unanimous thinking (decision taken)within the DLP GOVT. that Japan poses a serious threat to global peace? Because China has clearly articulated that they will not allow such attempts. To this end will Dominica remain indifferent or not? If so how could this GOVT. allow China to articulate that position on its behalf!! just wondering……….
As usual China just making alot of noise with no substance. They just made a big fanfare for their new 50 Caliber rifle, and China’s military is rapidly increasing each day. Just look at their ZTZ tanks.
They don’t get to call anyone militarist really.
OK… so Dominica should have been the one coming out and being a peace broker in this situation… increase it’s international posture.
Yet, the govt seems to be letting the Chinese use Dominica’s sovereign grounds be a battleground for the China-Japan feud. If Japan is Dominica’s friend, then Dominica should at least neutralize the discord or speak up for Japan. But of course, Dominica’s hands are in China’s deep pockets… so I don’t think this will happen.
But unless Dominica says something or lodges a complaint with the Chinese, then stuff like this will happen and the Chinese will feel justified to repeat these insults to our friends. If China can treat the US or it’s Asian neighbors with such disregard and contempt… how will it treat Dominica if we were to disagree with them on some issue? We saw already how they snubbed the Philippines after the recent typhoon disaster. Dominica’s lessons are in China’s current relationships with it’s neighbors. And we better learn real good.
Seriously do you think when you speak you speak in line with the Government of Dominica? Do you think the Gov’t of Dominica’s position reflect the people’s position?
“then stuff like this will happen and the Chinese will feel justified to repeat these insults to our friends” When you say “our friends” referring to Japan you mean your friend. When is it the Dominica Gov’t represented by Roosevelt Skerrit tell you Japan is your friend?
So you’re saying we’re not friends with Japan, who so graciously share with us their technology and knowledge in fisheries and have helped us with the different projects all over the island? Granted it may have to do with their past interest in whaling, but even looking at it that way Japan is no less Dominica’s ‘friend’ than China is. The only reason we can stand for this kind of behavior by the Chinese government is because we have sold our voice and vote over to them. The PM says that the agreement in the MOU is to support the PRC on the one china policy but it seems it extends to backing them on international relations.