Japanese media shows mixed feelings on Sino-US ties
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These editorials pointed to the $45 billion in deals concluded during the Sino-US summit, but argued that, although the two countries are deepening their relationship, China still has many problems. It pointed in particular to the yuan exchange rate, China's "maritime adventures," and human rights issues, but concluded that for Japan, the construction of a trusting relationship between China and the US will contribute to stability in the Asia-Pacific region and the world.
Finally, the Mainichi Shimbun editorial, titled "The US-China summit needs to promote the reduction of strategic nuclear weapons," argued that although China and the US are strengthening their cooperation, the potential conflicts are still unresolved.
The most worrying issue is military friction, and the most dangerous thing in the military field is the collapse of the balance of nuclear power. It called for joint negotiations on nuclear weapons reduction between China and the US, similar to those being carried out between China and Russia.
The editorials show that, although Japanese may be on board with the broad principles of Sino-US cooperation, they still hope that the potential rifts between China and the US will keep Japan the favorite regional ally of the US.
Nervous of the possibility of China eclipsing Japan entirely, they look to the country's problems and wonder whether the rising dragon will be pulled down by the fetters of poverty and underdevelopment. Perhaps they even hope this will happen.
China needs to take steps to reassure Japan that its relationship with the US will not swamp its East Asian neighbors. The problems recognized are real, to some extent, but strong cooperation of the type shown in the recent visit by Hu can help reach across these gulfs.
At the same time, both China and the US can reach out to a nervous Japan, bringing it into a stable triangular relationship that helps ensure peace and prosperity for the whole of East Asia.
The author is director of the Tokyo-based Asia-Pacific Political and Economic Research Center. forum@globaltimes.com.cn
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