Japan should take Germany as a mirror

Japanese Foreign Minister Genba Koichiro set off to visit Britain, France and Germany on Oct. 15, 2012. It is said that he will elaborate on Japan's attitude and stance and seek "understanding" from the international community on the Diaoyu Islands issue during the visit since he believes that the three countries exert great influence on world opinions. This is merely a part of Japan's moves to launch public opinions against China on the Diaoyu Islands issue.

After the so-called "purchase" of the Diaoyu Islands stirring up troubles, Japan attempts to confuse the international community. However, there are many loopholes in its arguments, which cannot stand up to scrutiny. In recent years, many international mainstream media and Asian scholars said that it is more convincing that China claims sovereignty over the Diaoyu Islands.

Japan's denial of "stealing" the Diaoyu Islands is to avoid identification and punishment of Japanese invasions on the basis of Cairo Declaration and Potsdam Proclamation, to deny the victory of the World War against Fascism and challenge the postwar international order.

As Japan covers up the facts, China has the responsibility to uncover the truth in international community. Japan has suffered strong countermeasures of China due to the so-called "islands-buying" and the offensive remarks of Japanese leaders have also been refuted by the Chinese side at the United Nations General Assembly.

Affected by Japan's "purchase" of the Diaoyu Islands, China and Japan lose the opportunity of the 40th anniversary of normalization of diplomatic ties to further promote the bilateral relations. Moreover, the China-Japan relations experience decreasing exchanges and cooperation in politics and economy.

Coincidentally, this year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Germany. The two sides both agreed to push forward their strategic partnership in an all-round way from a new starting point.

In the past 40 years, starting from scratch, both China-Japan relations and China-Germany relations have experienced progressive development. However, at present, there is a sharp contrast between the close China-Germany relations and cold China-Japan relations. The China-Germany relations are stable and mature while China-Japan relations are at the crossroad.

Both Germany and Japan were defeated countries of World War II and are among major developed powers through industrialization and modernization. However, Germany enjoys good momentum of economic growth and plays a leading role in Europe while Japan faces serious issues in domestic economy, society and foreign policy. The international community has a common understanding that, unlike Japan, Germany thoroughly reflects its historical issues and development path, which provides necessary conditions for its turning into a normal country.

Instead of spreading groundless arguments in international community, Japan had better take Germany as a mirror and find out the root cause of its own problems and the difficulty in diplomacy.

Without reflection, Japan will have no way out.

Read the Chinese version: 日本应以德国为镜照照自己; Source: People's Daily; Author: Hua Yiwen

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