Is Japan bound up to battle chariot?
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E-mail Xinhua, September 19, 2015
The island nation's aggression in the early 20th century was among the first challenges from the Axis powers against the weak world order forged after World War I.
Though peace and development have been the prevailing trend in the region and world, it is reasonable to question whether Japan will give up its defense posture or challenge the international order set after the end of World War II.
To garner support, the Japanese government has employed the old trick of playing up security threats, such as citing China's lawful reclamation of land from its own waters.
Since China has vowed it will remain committed to peaceful development and never seek hegemony or expansion, the Japanese government's groundless accusations are hard to sell, even inside Japan.
More than half of the respondents to a recent poll by the Asahi Shimbun, a national newspaper, are against the bills, and huge numbers of protestors have taken to Japanese streets.
The legislation might burn up Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's political capital, as his support rate is dipping to a new low, and tarnish the reputation of a nation that has earned international respect for its pacifist Constitution over 70 years.
It could also lead Japan astray. In an era of globalization, it is normal for a nation to learn the lessons of history and have a keen sense of a global community with a shared future, rather than adhere to Cold War mentality and consolidate alliances.
Instead of throwing obstacles on the road to reconciliation between Japan and its neighbors, the Japanese government should take tangible actions to reflect on its aggressive past so countries in the region can forge a new future together.
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