Op-Ed Contributors

Japan should reciprocate moves

By Dennis V. Hickey (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-07-06 07:59

On a final note, many Chinese remain sensitive about Japan's attitude toward Taiwan. Officials at the highest ranks of Japan's government have unabashedly boasted that Tokyo's colonization of Taiwan (1895-1945) provided the island with numerous benefits - a claim that rankles Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Straits.

Moreover, it is noteworthy that Masaki Sato, Japan's unofficial envoy to Taipei, was expelled by Kuomintang leaders in May 2009 after he claimed that "Taiwan's status was still unclear." Taipei and Tokyo have also quarreled over the Diaoyu Islands in recent months. And there are reputable scholars both in Taiwan and the Chinese mainland who share the belief that Japan does not support the ongoing rapprochement between the two sides.

These are just a few examples. There are other issues that have the potential to put Beijing and Tokyo on a collision course. But Chinese leaders are working diligently to improve ties. It will be important for Tokyo's new leadership to appreciate Beijing's efforts, reciprocate these moves and recognize the need for the two countries to work together for mutual benefit.

The author is James F. Morris Professor of Political Science at Missouri State University, US.

(China Daily 07/06/2010 page9)