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China calls on Japan to meet halfway to improve relations

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Good proposal and diplomatic gesture from China, hope Abe will consider it favorably.

-8 ( +7 / -15 )

Nothing new just surrender the Senkaku islands to the Peoples Republic of China. They also want to push their EEZ right up to the 12 mile limit of Okinawa. I just do not see any compromise in his proposal. What are they willing to give up

6 ( +13 / -7 )

@YuriOtani

It is only a temporary measure (each side takes a step back) to allow both sides to claim victory, and start a more serious negotiation.

Doesn't matter you like it or not, Chinese view Senkaku/Diaoyu the same way as Japanese view Northern Islands.

CCP didn't create the mess, but seize the opportunity to demonstrate that it is the only party with spine to protect its own people from foreign aggression.

-8 ( +6 / -14 )

China used to be a country of words and diplomacy, but no longer is it so. It uses the international stage to issue threats, insults and empty platitudes. Japan would do well to re-arm itself preferably with nuclear weapons if it wants to get honesty or sincerity from the Chinese side. The CCP only understands force.

To meet someone "halfway" means to make half of the effort oneself, or in other words, "compromising." The present Chinese government is not capable of compromise. Indeed, they seem to have lost the very meaning of the word.

10 ( +12 / -2 )

Sourpuss: I agree. When has the Chinese government met halfway with any of it's Asian neighbors lately?

12 ( +13 / -1 )

Yea I'm going to suddenly claim my neighbors yard, make a big fuss, then suggest he meets me half-way. After he agrees I'll wait a few years then claim the rest of his yard then suggest he meets me half-way.

13 ( +15 / -2 )

Nuclear weapons are not the answer, China can easily afford to lose 128 million people in a nuclear war, Japan cannot.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

tian4670Dec. 27, 2012 - 07:49AM JST Doesn't matter you like it or not, Chinese view Senkaku/Diaoyu the same way as Japanese view Northern Islands.

Typical of China. The two are entirely different. That the USSR "stole" the northern islands is supported by the fact that the U.S. amd U.K. consider them "stolen" by USSR and kept by Russia. NOBODY buys China's lame argument that the Senkakus were "stolen".

CCP didn't create the mess, but seize the opportunity to demonstrate that it is the only party with spine to protect its >own people from foreign aggression

Yes they did. The moment they decided to suddenly make a claim in 1971 they started the mess. And what aggression?

4 ( +7 / -3 )

When has the Chinese government met halfway with any of it's Asian neighbors lately?

Well, they've send ships more than halfway to the Senkaku/Daiyous. Does that count?

Interesting that the Chinese take a conciliatory line when Japanese hawks return to power.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Don't believe them. Sleazy tactics and sweet speaking. Definitely hiding something behind...

2 ( +5 / -3 )

A nuclear war would affect the entire world, not just 128 million people.

Has China softened up slightly since this new chick became Foreign Spokesperson? Hong Lei (or whatever that guy's name was with the glasses) seemed like a right stuck up prude. This new chick at least seems capable of some worthwhile negotiation. Let's just hope Abe doesn't fluff up an opportunity to mend matters.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

It's possible these comments were meant more for the domestic Chinese population. Sort of like saying that "we're the good guys and have been doing all the compromising while the Japanese haven't."

2 ( +4 / -2 )

paulinusa, Huh? What does "China called on new Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Wednesday" mean then?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

paulinusa, Huh? What does "China called on new Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Wednesday" mean then?

It's means it also a headline in the Chinese news media.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

It means it's.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

if china claims that it is china's 'inherent territory', there is no meeting halfway, it either belongs to them or it doesn't

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Except China's idea of 'halfway' is halfway on its terms. The proverbial cup is actually more than half full for China and less than half full for the other side.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

YuriOtani: " I just do not see any compromise in his proposal. What are they willing to give up"

I agree with you, but Japan is exactly the same way when it comes to the islands, and even moreso with Abe at the wheel now.

So, what I think they should do is put the dispute on hold completely -- don't talk about claims to the land itself -- and bring back to the table the idea of joint drilling of the area. It would get the countries working together again instead of at odds, would stop Chinese intrusion into disputed areas save for said drilling, and it would pave the way for imports and exports to resume. Talks related to who OWNS the islands can maybe come later.

There is nothing wrong with China's suggestion, but meeting half-way requires both party to make half the walk to get there.

-9 ( +0 / -9 )

frank07/incognito12: Both your arguments may well be correct, but they also apply 100% to Japan's stance on the islands. Abe has already said he won't budge on Japan's stance, so there can't be any halfway for Japan, either.

-9 ( +0 / -9 )

I think joint tri-nation drilling/exploration of the area is a good idea. But just look at the countries involved: Japan, China and Taiwan. It's clear that it will never happen this decade until one or more parties change stance.

And why drill anyway - leave the area in its current pristine condition and only consider drilling until the resources are actually needed in 50 years time. We don't want another BP-like gulf disaster in the area.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Typical of China. The two are entirely different. That the USSR "stole" the northern islands is supported by the fact that the U.S. amd U.K. consider them "stolen" by USSR and kept by Russia. NOBODY buys China's lame argument that the Senkakus were "stolen".

This NOBODY should be qualified as 'In Japan'

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

Yes they did. The moment they decided to suddenly make a claim in 1971 they started the mess. And what aggression?

Chinese (both mainland and Taiwan) did not pay much attention to sovereignty issue until 1972. Taiwanese fishermen were happily fishing in the region. Nobody said a word. Then US transferred administration to Japan. Japanese coast guard boats kept bumping into Taiwanese fishing boats. That was when Chinese realized they had a big, big problem.

How come their traditional fishing ground becomes Japanese?

That is the aggression. There can't be a opportunity for CCP. If you hate CCP (I did and I do), check out newspapers from Taiwan (with a traditionally more Japan friendly government), please.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Are you saying that the US simply allowed Taiwanese fishing boats to freely enter US administered Japanese territory from 1945 to 1972?

That's rather hard to believe.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

It sounds like both sides want to compromise for the sake of their economies, yet not lose political "face" towards public sentiment... Tough bind.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

But Taiwanese fishing boats weren't Taiwanese between 1945 to 1972, they were Chinese allies (officially KMT if I remember my history).

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Japan, just sell the island's to China for like 300 billion US dollars.

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

Are you saying that the US simply allowed Taiwanese fishing boats to freely enter US administered Japanese territory from 1945 to 1972?

US has never, ever recognized the disputed islands as Japanese territory.

Have a check for yourself, US position today is that Japan administrate the islands, NOT that Japan owns those islands.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

In the same way, US recognized northern islands as Japanese territories, above which administration rights were lost the Russian.

That is why US-Japan defense pack is NOT applicable to northern islands, even those US think they are Japanese territory.

US-Japan defense pack is applicable to Senkaku/Diaoyu according to US government because administration right was transferred to Japan (by US), even though US is neutral at this stage.

That is why Japanese government is very vocal on Senkaku/Diaoyu, while quiet on northern islands.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

If The Chinese Communist Party ever managed to get their hands on the islands they could then claim that everything in a 200 mile radius longs to them.

This would also put their disputes with the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia over other islands in a whole different light. It would also put them right in Japan and Taiwan's back yard, literally sitting between them.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

It would also give them a direct, open waterline of sight right across the Pacific to Hawaii and beyond.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

They would probably flatten the islands making them into air bases .... then we would all be in real trouble.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Meet halfway? Sorry China but you can go to hell. China kept pushing the Noda administration, and now that it has been replaced by a PM who is known to be hawkish China wants to play all nice.

No aggression needed from Japan, but absolutely no need to negotiate over something that belongs to Japan. China: why didn't you lay claim to the Senkakus when they were offered to you in 1945?

3 ( +5 / -2 )

China has no way to attack Japan short of nuclear. Getting across the ocean with massive amounts of troops, ammunition, supplies is easier said than done. If Japan was Vietnam, then it would be another story. They could march in. The Chinese population at large has been inundated with propaganda for so long and has no idea that the Japanese SDF could destroy the PLA in an evening )and maybe even send it back to the Cultural Revolution according to a very respected military white paper)

The top brass in China know and would like to cool things down as war is not an option.... even if the US didn't get involved. That's the truth. Japan has a well trained disciplined military, excellent attack fighter jets and top notch boats. If China wants to "compromise" while sending ships, airplanes to the islands and violating her airspace, Japan should hold her fire. If China keeps it up, Japan should attack and destroy the PLA. If the PLA is shown up to be weak, lying about strength, the Chinese population will have no mercy on the CCP

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

“It is hoped that Abe… could view Japan-China ties from a long-term and overall perspective

Abe's family has history with such a perspective, so there is optimism that the same foreign diplomacy can continue.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I am happy to hear meeting half way talked about but sadly it is empty rhetoric from China, as what they actually mean is that they want their illegal and irrational desire to seize the islands validated. I am confident that Abe will stand strong on this and China is showing actually the first signs of backing away and that she may realize that this is one steal that is never going to happen. Time to wake up and move on. There are lots of other places that China can grab more territory with less cost.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Well, China does have a legitimate claim to the islands. Obviously China had a legitimate claim before 1875.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

paulinusaDec. 27, 2012 - 08:42AM JST

Sourpuss: I agree. When has the Chinese government met halfway with any of it's Asian neighbors lately?

Many times. Not only words but also deeds. China has settled territorial disputes with quite a few countries. If you have no clue, does it become her problem?

BTW, can you answer the same question for Japan? When has Japanese government met halfway with any of her neighbors lately?

Between China and Japan, the one who has territorial disputes with all her neighbors is not China but Japan. The one who has NO record of successful negotiation with another nation over territorial disputes is Japan but not China.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

OssanAmericaDec. 27, 2012 - 09:10AM JST

Yea I'm going to suddenly claim my neighbors yard, make a big fuss, then suggest he meets me half-way. After he agrees I'll wait a few years then claim the rest of his yard then suggest he meets me half-way.

Suddenly? Who suddenly changed policy over the islands and expected the other to swallow it for her (the other's) sake?

And who is bickering with all her neighbors?

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

OssanAmericaDec. 27, 2012 - 09:14AM JST

Typical of China. The two are entirely different. That the USSR "stole" the northern islands is supported by the fact that the U.S. amd U.K. consider them "stolen" by USSR and kept by Russia.

Typical of China to have consistently appealed for negotiations, while Japan denied the very existence of any dispute at all.

Now even if your information is correct, are the views of the US and UK the law?

NOBODY buys China's lame argument that the Senkakus were "stolen".

Speak for yourself. Not everybody is as blind as you. Many nations have called for peace, but which country has supported Japan's terra nullius claim? In this case, some of the best supporting documents for the stolen argument come from non other than the archives of the Japanese government. It is too late to destroy them and too obvious to reintepret them .

Yes they did. The moment they decided to suddenly make a claim in 1971 they started the mess. And what aggression?

Unlucky for you, Taipei has said the same thing as Beijing. Try to square that one.

And it was not because Japan stole the islands in 1895? After 1945, Japan's territories were not decided by Japan. Japan loves to act as if somehow in 1971 Japan had got any sovereign rights over the Diaoyu islands, but really? Since you take the words of the US so seriously, hopefully you will find solice in the neutral stance of the US on the issue of sovereighty.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

JanesBlondeDec. 27, 2012 - 07:44PM JST

If The Chinese Communist Party ever managed to get their hands on the islands they could then claim that everything in a 200 mile radius longs to them.

This would also put their disputes with the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia over other islands in a whole different light. It would also put them right in Japan and Taiwan's back yard, literally sitting between them.

JanesBlondeDec. 27, 2012 - 07:48PM JST

It would also give them a direct, open waterline of sight right across the Pacific to Hawaii and beyond.

Since you just lumped all the island disputes with China together as one issue, may I ask for your similar assessment on Japan over all of her disputes? What if she gets all of them?

In terms of access, there is enough open sea for any nation to sail to the Pacific.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

JanesBlondeDec. 27, 2012 - 07:50PM JST

They would probably flatten the islands making them into air bases .... then we would all be in real trouble.

probably? You are probably in real trouble anway, if this probably shows how logic you can be.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

LOL. It doesn't matter who is trying to improve relations, the other side will just say its tricks and fake gesture by the opposing side. No wonder relations never get better.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

hatsoffDec. 27, 2012 - 08:33PM JST

Meet halfway? Sorry China but you can go to hell. China kept pushing the Noda administration, and now that it has been replaced by a PM who is known to be hawkish China wants to play all nice.

China pused Noda or the other way around? Indeed, China's call should be viewed as negatively as possible.

No aggression needed from Japan, but absolutely no need to negotiate over something that belongs to Japan. China: why didn't you lay claim to the Senkakus when they were offered to you in 1945?

Japan has lost the islands in 1945. It is not Japan's place to ask how China deals with it. Japan had no adminstrative rights over it since 1945. When Beijing and Taipei raised the issue, their counterpart was Washington, DC. Tokyo didn't become part of it until the US transferred the administraive rights.

By the way, Japan still insists the islands they acquired in 1895 were terra nullius. Why haven't they come clean?

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

PaulSDec. 27, 2012 - 11:38PM JST

China has no way to attack Japan short of nuclear. Getting across the ocean with massive amounts of troops, ammunition, supplies is easier said than done. If Japan was Vietnam, then it would be another story. They could march in. The Chinese population at large has been inundated with propaganda for so long and has no idea that the Japanese SDF could destroy the PLA in an evening )and maybe even send it back to the Cultural Revolution according to a very respected military white paper)

China has the 'no first use' policy on nuclear weapons. Once Japan changes constitution, I doubt it will ever come out with a similar statement. We shall wait and see.

Your assessment shows the total hypocrisy of Japan. 'the Japanese SDF could destroy the PLA in an evening'? If this is true, you honestly think th world should take Japan's image of peaceful nation seriously? Yet all one hears is the alarm against Chinese military buildup. Nobody seems to notice Japan has done that already, although techically it doesn't even have a military.

The top brass in China know and would like to cool things down as war is not an option.... even if the US didn't get involved. That's the truth. Japan has a well trained disciplined military, excellent attack fighter jets and top notch boats. If China wants to "compromise" while sending ships, airplanes to the islands and violating her airspace, Japan should hold her fire. If China keeps it up, Japan should attack and destroy the PLA. If the PLA is shown up to be weak, lying about strength, the Chinese population will have no mercy on the CCP

I hope there are cooler heads in Japan than yours. Military in any nation tends to brag a bit too much about their abilities. I have read the news you have quoted. There is no point in quoting more from the other side to make things slightly less certain, since war is not a likely option.

And no need for you to worry about the Chinese having no mercy on the CCP, either. Taipei has the same claim but only talks about peace. I hope you don't see the difference only in polity.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

CrisGerSanDec. 28, 2012 - 12:59AM JST

I am happy to hear meeting half way talked about but sadly it is empty rhetoric from China, as what they actually mean is that they want their illegal and irrational desire to seize the islands validated. I am confident that Abe will stand strong on this and China is showing actually the first signs of backing away and that she may realize that this is one steal that is never going to happen. Time to wake up and move on. There are lots of other places that China can grab more territory with less cost.

Who stole from whom?

Where is the sign of any side retreating?

The root cause of the territorial disputes with Japan is non other than the grabbing of others' land by Japan from the late nineteenth centuries. Japan can deny it to China, or South Korea or Russia. Japan can even deny that is how the US has come to have bases all over Japan. When Japan can not even decide where the US puts military bases on Japanese soil, when not even the US backs up Japan's claim of sovereignty over these islands, you'd think she should know better. But obviously no. Japan's new strategy is to become a bigger pawn for US policy in exchange for more support on the Diaoyu/Senkaku disputes. Neither Japan nor China gains much. East Asia loses but the US wins.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

“We are ready to work with the Japanese side to push forward the steady and sound development of bilateral relations,” Hua said."

Translation:"Give us the islands and Okinawa and we can be friends"

The PRC is playing a media game of lies, they can not be trusted to tell the trust.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

kevininjapanDec. 28, 2012 - 04:45AM JST Many times. Not only words but also deeds. China has settled territorial disputes with quite a few countries. If you have no clue, does it become her problem?

Name one dispute that the PRC has settled without the threat of war.

BTW, can you answer the same question for Japan? When has Japanese government met halfway with any of her neighbors lately?

Has Japan threatened it's neighbors with war?

Between China and Japan, the one who has territorial disputes with all her neighbors is not China but Japan. The one who has NO record of successful negotiation with another nation over territorial disputes is Japan but not China.

Why do you live in Japan? If you love it so much why not move to the PRC?

Oh wait that's right, in Japan you can speak your mind without a threat of jail!

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Kevin, Japan lacks the capacity to attack The People Republic of China. We do not even have Tomahawk missiles. We do not have bombers. Our missiles are limited to anti-ship and anti-submarine.

About the islands going "halfway" means Japan handing over the islands and extended EEZ and allowing Japan to drill. Though without a ground base it is impossible for Japan to produce oil and gas. Then if they put anything in place the Peoples Republic would take it at the first sign of distress. They can always come up with an excuse.

Oh Kevin The Peoples Republic of China have even more territory disputes than Japan. I count 6 disputes including in the Indian Ocean and territory that is in India.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

As regards the Senkaku Islands, Japan must not change face and even consider the Chinese claim unless the Qing emperor makes those claims. The Senkakus belong to Japan, as won from the Qing dynasty in 1895. Since the Qing dynasty no longer exists, no one else has a claim to adjudicate.

The Senkakus have nothing to do with WWII, which was settled in Potsdam, Cairo, and San Francisco, irrelevant documents that are forever quoted by the Chinese. Find the heir to the Qing dynasty, and then there might be a reason to discuss sovereignty of this small island chain. Otherwise, the Red Chinese are simply usurpers themselves, not heirs to the Qing dynasty.

Likewise, if the US does not fully support Japan in this moment of crisis regarding this issue, China will eventually be so emboldened as to come to our shores and demand California as their sovereign territory, simply because Chinese people helped build much of our railroad system...or they will use some other similarly ridiculous pretext.

If China succeeds with its ridiculous claim, then China will eventually claim the entire planet. It is up to Japan to STOP this war-monger now. Japan must not change face and compromise on the sovereignty of the Senkakus. Japan must save face. The Japanese people must save face.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

China must stop lying. The man who steals my wallet is not allowed to show the pictures of my wife and children as if they are his. The Red Chinese stole the Qing dynasty. They have no right to whatever else the Qing dynasty owned which was stolen by another thief, in this case, Japan. Two thieves. Now, the big thief wants what the little thief stole. You idiots. Stop it before we enter global war.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

The Japanese people must save face

I'd rather say "Japanese, please save our Earth"

0 ( +0 / -0 )

OssanAmerica: "That the USSR "stole" the northern islands is supported by the fact that the U.S. amd U.K. consider them "stolen" by USSR and kept by Russia. NOBODY buys China's lame argument that the Senkakus were "stolen"."

Once again, Russia took the islands as the spoils of war during the final days of the war (the US and Japan were finished, but the war was not). They are Russian territory, whether you like it or not.

China here is introducing a face-saving means of improving ties, and yes, BOTH nations must make considerations or it simply will not work. I can't understand why so many of you insist Japan is some weak victim in all this and China is a bully. Both have the brains and brawn, and hopefully the use the former to mutually benefit instead of the suggestions of many posters Japan uses the latter and nothing gets done.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

"For an export economy like Japan..." What? Only 10 to 15% of Japan's GDP is export driven. You're thinking of the 1970s maybe? Also, we can all see that all of this is Chinese-speak for "Do it my way!" @Smithinjapan, It is my feeling that China is trying to look like a tough guy after centuries of humiliation and Japan is trying to look like it is not a has-been that is sinking into the Pacific. They both want to look tough.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

smithinjapanDec. 28, 2012 - 02:25PM JST Once again, Russia took the islands as the spoils of war during the final days of the war (the US and Japan were finished, but the war was not). They are Russian territory, whether you like it or not.

So by your logic the Senkaku Islands belong to Japan and the PRC is plain wong.

Thank you for at last seening the light.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

So by your logic the Senkaku Islands belong to Japan and the PRC is plain wrong.

Exactly.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

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