Doubts at 40th anniversary

Some Japanese politicians are putting hard-won diplomatic relations with China in jeopardy for their own political gain

Forty years ago - or 27 years after Japan's surrender, which marked the end of Japanese aggression - China buried its pain and signed a joint declaration with Japan establishing diplomatic relations.

According to Confucius one should have no doubts at the age of 40. But relations have become increasingly strained. Particularly this year, thanks to the antics of Japanese politicians such as Tokyo governor Shintaro Ishihara, who are always trying to push the envelope of insulting and outrageous behavior.