ARecent statement by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on making cordial relations with China is a welcome step, not only for both countries but also for Asia Pacific region and the world. Relations between the two global forces have been tensed so far and any tension between them creates anxiety in the entire region.
Abe on Tuesday stressed the need to develop a stable and amicable relationship with China. The statement has come at the right time because relations were seem to be entering into a rough patch.
Earlier this month, Japan’s parliament had passed legislation expanding Tokyo’s international military powers. The law gives the government, for the first time in 70 years since World War II, power to use the military in international conflicts, even if Japan isn’t under attack.
China, whose growing military prowess and actions in the South China Sea have worried Japan and other Asian countries, reacted by cautioning Tokyo against disturbing regional peace and stability.
Sino-Japanese relations have see-sawed and warmed considerably after Shinzo Abe took over as Prime Minister in September 2006, and a joint historical study conducted by China and Japan released and released in 2010 pointed to a new consensus on the issue of World War II-era atrocities.
However, in the early 2010s, relations deteriorated, with Japan accusing China of withholding its reserves of valuable rare earth elements.
Economics and trade can play a crucial role in alleviating tensions and the rivalry between both countries.
A glance at quantum of trade between them highlights how deeply intertwined these countries are.
The China–Japan economic partnership is one of the biggest in the world, both together accounting for more than a fifth of global output. Bilateral trade is the third-largest in the world, with $340bn in 2014. China is Japan’s largest trading partner, accounting for one-fifth of its trade, and Japan is China’s second-largest.
Economic ties between both countries underscore the need for peaceful coexistence. There is a lot to learn from each other, given technological and economic advancements the two neighbours have achieved.
The role of government and non-governmental organisations is important in developing cordial relations between the two countries. They should educate their populations on the merits of peaceful, prosperous ties.
Chinese and Japanese politicians should publicly stress the importance of bilateral relations. This would encourage public servants and civil society groups in both countries to avoid provocation and seek mutual exchange.
It is time for Japan and China took steps to forge a renewed bilateral relationship.
ARecent statement by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on making cordial relations with China is a welcome step, not only for both countries but also for Asia Pacific region and the world. Relations between the two global forces have been tensed so far and any tension between them creates anxiety in the entire region.
Abe on Tuesday stressed the need to develop a stable and amicable relationship with China. The statement has come at the right time because relations were seem to be entering into a rough patch.
Earlier this month, Japan’s parliament had passed legislation expanding Tokyo’s international military powers. The law gives the government, for the first time in 70 years since World War II, power to use the military in international conflicts, even if Japan isn’t under attack.
China, whose growing military prowess and actions in the South China Sea have worried Japan and other Asian countries, reacted by cautioning Tokyo against disturbing regional peace and stability.
Sino-Japanese relations have see-sawed and warmed considerably after Shinzo Abe took over as Prime Minister in September 2006, and a joint historical study conducted by China and Japan released and released in 2010 pointed to a new consensus on the issue of World War II-era atrocities.
However, in the early 2010s, relations deteriorated, with Japan accusing China of withholding its reserves of valuable rare earth elements.
Economics and trade can play a crucial role in alleviating tensions and the rivalry between both countries.
A glance at quantum of trade between them highlights how deeply intertwined these countries are.
The China–Japan economic partnership is one of the biggest in the world, both together accounting for more than a fifth of global output. Bilateral trade is the third-largest in the world, with $340bn in 2014. China is Japan’s largest trading partner, accounting for one-fifth of its trade, and Japan is China’s second-largest.
Economic ties between both countries underscore the need for peaceful coexistence. There is a lot to learn from each other, given technological and economic advancements the two neighbours have achieved.
The role of government and non-governmental organisations is important in developing cordial relations between the two countries. They should educate their populations on the merits of peaceful, prosperous ties.
Chinese and Japanese politicians should publicly stress the importance of bilateral relations. This would encourage public servants and civil society groups in both countries to avoid provocation and seek mutual exchange.
It is time for Japan and China took steps to forge a renewed bilateral relationship.
