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Note of discord

(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-11-03 07:28

It is not unusual for some rightwing politicians in Japan to want to whitewash what invading Japanese forces had done to other Asian countries during World War II. But it is really shocking that Japanese air force chief Gen. Toshio Tamogami in his recent essay brazenly denied aggressions by the country.

It is shocking not only because his view seeks to blatantly deny an established fact and a part of history that have long been recognized worldwide. But it is so also because such an essay by a high-ranking Japanese military officer is detrimental to the country's relations with its Asian neighbors.

We feel relieved that he was dismissed from his position immediately after the publication of his article on Friday. Japanese Defence Minister Yasukazu Hamada said that the essay he wrote went against the government's official position and contradicted a statement released in 1995 by the then Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama, which expressed deep regret over the country's past colonization and aggression in Asian countries.

Yes, we need to have a vision for the future to safeguard peace and promote development in Asia and the world at large. But that does not definitely mean that we should forget what has happened in the past and even distort history.

We remember that period of history and denounce the atrocities committed by invading Japanese forces to other Asian people during that war only in the hope of preventing repetitions of such misery.

A correct understanding of it and approach to properly deal with that part of history are an important political basis for smooth development of relations between Japan and its Asian neighbors.

This has been shown by the twists and turns in the relations between Japan and its neighbors in the decades after the war. More than once attempts by Japanese rightwing politicians to whitewash the war crimes or deny aggressions have triggered diplomatic crises with other countries.

The development of relations between Japan and China has had a good momentum since former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's ice-breaking visit to China more than two years ago followed by further exchanges between top leaders as well as common peopole of both countries. It is hoped that such a momentum be treasured and maintained as both countries will benefit from friendly ties.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship between China and Japan. And a number of activities have been held in celebration, which will hopefully further promote friendly relations.

The denial of the aggression history by Toshio Tamogami comes in as an element of disharmony. Yet, as long as the Japanese government has a right attitude to this question, the smooth development of ties between the two neighbors will not be derailed by such discordant notes.

(China Daily 11/03/2008 page4)