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Japan has never had smooth ties with China: Aso

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Yes, that is true. Here is the quote from Wikipedia "Although the two countries had fought intermittently since 1931, total war started in earnest in 1937 and ended only with the surrender of Japan in 1945. The war was the result of a decades-long Japanese imperialist policy aiming to dominate China politically and militarily and to secure its vast raw material reserves and other economic resources, particularly food and labour. Before 1937, China and Japan fought in small, localized engagements, so-called "incidents". In 1931, the Japanese invasion of Manchuria by Japan's Kwantung Army followed the Mukden Incident. The last of these incidents was the Marco Polo Bridge Incident of 1937, marking the beginning of total war between the two countries."

8 ( +13 / -5 )

Well look at that! The Asian countries are coming together....against China! Due to its bullying tactics. Thank you China, you brought countries closer together

-2 ( +11 / -13 )

And so what does my statesman Aso propose? Just let things be as they are, or as Vice-PM why not try to improve the situation instead of stating the obvious.

8 ( +13 / -5 )

for the past 1,500 years and more there has never been a history when our relations with China went extremely smoothly

The relationship between Japan and China really took a nosedive in 1274 and hasn't improved much since.

12 ( +12 / -0 )

India and China are in dispute over an alleged incursion by Chinese troops deep inside Indian-claimed territory.

Latest news update : India has resolved this issue peacefully and China has agreed to pull out.

2 ( +9 / -7 )

Quadrilateral Dialogue, here we come!

1 ( +2 / -1 )

@some14some

I don't think "resolved" is the right word to describe this situation.

It's true China withdrew her troops but that just seems to be analogous to the Chinese ships that are illegally in Japanese waters leaving for a short time. Hardly a resolution, just China'a way of pushing the envelope and then backing down right before all hell breaks loose to antagonize it's "enemies".

China needs to stop this!

11 ( +17 / -6 )

And comments like that won't help moving forward either

true, specially for exports dependant country..

1 ( +7 / -6 )

Oh, this guy made another slip of tongue!

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

Okinawa has had good relations in the past, but then Okinawa is not Japan, is it?

0 ( +8 / -8 )

Why all this anti China sentiment, have our own countries in the west behaved any better. Westerners are only guests in this region, we might have our opinions, but however long we remain here, we will never understand the culture of the Asian countries.

-7 ( +9 / -16 )

i feel so sad , so so much hate between China and Japan :(( both countries that i love. i received two Chinese person as guest in my house in Europe. and told me something i never knew that the red colour of the Chinese flag means the blood of many Chinese dead by Japanese.....

im not sure is this true.... even that past is past. German were also killed many other European countries now other European countries accept to be friends with German and no hate about that. also not forgot what happend but past is past and be united for peacefull world.

fight between China and Japan for a island also crazy from both of them. why we dont ask what the people of the island think. they have also free mind of speech. im from a island and we are now independed. as me as island mentality let the island people choose or even i think 80% people of that island want to be own country. or other solution make as Cyprus island which is devided half Turkish and half Greek island.

I hope one day will be peace between Japan and China :(( even my ex chinese girlfriend broke up with me because she hate it that i have some japanese friends :(( so unfair..

we human and every countries did very bad things, France was also bad guys, also Rome time Italian were bad, everywhere bad even American also were bad country to wipe out almost all native american indian.

-5 ( +9 / -14 )

Dead by corrupt megalomaniac superpower aspirants British, Chinese, Japanese, US, Taliban, Catholic... Let each man tend to hearth & home.

-6 ( +1 / -7 )

ivanthegreat - Although the two countries had fought intermittently since 1931, total war started in earnest in 1937 and ended only with the surrender of Japan in 1945. The war was the result of a decades-long Japanese imperialist policy aiming to dominate China politically and militarily and to secure its vast raw material reserves and other economic resources, particularly food and labour.

Funny how Aso's statement fails to refer to any of this. Regardless of Aso claiming a long history of uneasiness between the two countries, it was the actions of Japan in the first half of last century that totally destroyed Japan's reputation and its relationship with other Asian countries. Yeah, they have apologised and have paid 'some' compensation, but wanting to change history and denying their actions will ensure the bitterness continues. And now, Japan is calling on countries that they previously tried to invade and rule to join them in a fight with China, which they started 100 years ago. And, they want to change article 9 so their military can once again attack other nations. Sorry, but I have no confidence in trusting Aso, Abe or any of their crony mates to attempt to bring political stability to Asia. I am sure their intentions are completely opposite and they will attempt military rule in Asia once again.

0 ( +10 / -10 )

The enemy of my enemy is my friend.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

Ah, Aso, proving once again what a poor excuse for a 'leader' you are. Disillusioned spelled it out well above, so I won't repeat, but a reason for improving ties should not be simply "we're both having trouble with China and we need to isolate them" but should be an earnest attempt at improving relations for the betterment of both nations.

5 ( +11 / -6 )

India is a very nice country and their people are very smart.

2 ( +6 / -4 )

China was the only country which came to India not to loot and plunder like Islamic Arabs, British, Portuguese and French, but to gain knowledge and study culture. There are many instance in recorded history when valuable merchandise was dumped to protect books form India by Chinese travelers. I hope we can be friends again and don't fall into divide and rule policy of barbaric loot and slavery based cultures of West and Japan.

6 ( +13 / -7 )

Lets not forget more ancient history. The whole fact that for a few thousand years China thought itself the center of the universe and made all the other Asian countries pay tribute to them at least once a year bringing extravagant gifts and spending untold amounts of money just to get to China all I order to keep China from attacking them. Kinda like what the Mafia did to shop owners just on a global scale. But one country in Asia refused to pay tribute. Anyone know who that was? Japan that's right. And since the refused the Chinese sent an armada across the sea to attack Japan not once but twice! And not once but twice a typhoon kicked up and destroyed the Chinese fleet. That's where the Kamikaze term or "divine wind" term originated. So yeah the 1900's showed a lot of Japanese aggression but for centuries before that it was the Chinese who were the aggressors. And maybe just maybe that's why the Japanese were so brutal when they did attack China. They knew they were out manned out supplied and out gunned but if they could create such a great sense of fear in the Chinese through their brutality maybe they could control the populace once the defeated the military. And it seemed to work. I don't condone it just saying it worked.

5 ( +13 / -8 )

How about all the enslaving and invadinng by the Mongol/ Chinese hords 800 years ago of the neighboring Central Asian territories.

The legacy of the khanates is something Japan only escaped by divine wind. Too bad Central Asia wasn't so lucky.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

what's this supposed to mean?

Did the stupid J-politician tell China to build up A-bombs and payback to the crimes committed by Japanese people to China?

0 ( +4 / -4 )

What is the biggest problem between Japan and China at present? The island issue, for sure, but along with that is the exacerbation caused by politicians who say, "We've never had a smooth history" but want to CHANGE a lot of the history that has led to current problems. Japan also invaded India, but does Aso talk about that when he balks about history? no. It would be more sincere if, while talking to Indian politicians about a rough history with China, he mentioned the regrettable invasion of India and the murder of a bunch of Indians by Imperial troops, but that they are obviously past it.

6 ( +11 / -5 )

"Aso, a former prime minister, made the comment in response to a suggestion that Japan and India should strengthen defence and maritime cooperation since both have territorial disputes with China, the Sankei said.

India and China are in dispute over an alleged incursion by Chinese troops deep inside Indian-claimed territory."

Here is my suspicion. Japan/US big scheme to encircle China. Did Japan send a boat load of money to the Indians to start building roads and bridges to annoy China? China and India don't have problem with the disputed territory until India start building bridges and road, is it from money Japan give to India while China is busy fending off problems with Vietnam, Philippines and Japan since last year? This is the reason why I never trust Japan given all her history of deceit.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/no-let-up-in-tensions-at-the-indiachina-border-over-ladakh-incursion/387402-3-245.html

Japan big problem with China was from the Mongols about 800 years ago, twice. The Mongols was then ruling over China, so it is not China's fault, China herself was a victim of the Mongols. Then two world wars last century from Japan, whose fault is that? So to put it in perspective China was victim all these time. Time to set the record straight.

-11 ( +6 / -17 )

Sounds like a comment taken out of context. I'll wait until I see the full context before jumping in to comment, aftet all I don't get paid for commenting as many here do!

3 ( +5 / -2 )

We don't know the background of this statement. It may have been to downplay current difficulties, putting them into a less emotionally charged context in response to a question.

However, Aso should be savvy enough to know that sentences or parts thereof become soundbites, generating articles like this, and some of the responses we see above. Could do better.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

@Ew

Here is my suspicion. Japan/US big scheme to encircle China. Did Japan send a boat load of money to the Indians to start building roads and bridges to annoy China? China and India don't have problem with the disputed territory until India start building bridges and road, is it from money Japan give to India while China is busy fending off problems with Vietnam, Philippines and Japan since last year? This is the reason why I never trust Japan given all her history of deceit.

All right, we'll assume the Japanese handed over a boatload of money to India for the specific purpose of building infrastructure at the disputed spot. Sorry, pal, by modern standards that's still no justification for an armed incursion. The most China can do is send diplomatic protests and rush resources to build infrastrucuture on its end.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

There is no doubt that China has been troubling many neighboring countries like Japan, India, Taiwan, Philippines, and Vietnam etc. Everybody knows, China is also creating the negativity and hatred in the countries like North Korea and Pakistan for the other neighboring countries for its own benefit. Chinese actions are hard to believe. It is important to monitor the actions of China and control its incursions in other neighboring countries. They have temporarily backed out from their recent 19 Km incursion in India after some open comments but from now on it is very important to collectively monitor Chinese incursions in its neighboring countries and take collective action for the sake of peace in Asia.

5 ( +9 / -4 )

What we don't understand is why we did the same thing the British did, but the British have never been blamed or criticized or asked to apologize etc. Japan modernized after 1870s based on the British model (capitalism, techno-science, imperialism). We only did in China what the British did. And don't give me that story about how nice the British were in China. Unfortunately for the British, there is a 50 year photographic record of the end of empire that shows different (remember "the sun never sets on the British empire" - you realize what that means, right?). Even Chinese have pointed this out (I first saw this point in the People's Daily, English). Our relation with China after 1930s was a great evil. Some of us really believed that the Europeans had to be driven out of China or we were next. Some wanted to plunder China's wealth and get slave labor. Some, released from prison to fight, just wanted to kill and rape a lot of Chinese. Aso's family contributed to that, as is will known.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

@Kazuaki Shimazaki

In the matter of struggle for military and political advantage do you expect any government not to cook up something to weaken the other party? What are spies, military/political think tanks and secret funds for? To fund the 'terrorist/corruptible local politicians' for example!

Do you think governments are suppose to tell you their misdeeds in Real Time? So one is left to just suspect and speak out loud in my case. Perhaps you can explain why everything align so smoothly with China under siege from all sides. Wait twenty years later and you may get a peek at Unclassified Documents, but it will be too late to be of any use then.

I did not notice Japan having a very close alliance with India all these years, have you? Something fishy must be brewing.

-14 ( +2 / -16 )

Aso clearly has amnesia because as I recall Japan was quite smitten with China during the Tang Dynasty [wiki; Japanese missions to Tang China]. It's castle in Kyoto was built based on China's Daming Palace, its laws were modified based on China's laws, and it sent several envoys to China, bringing back with them artisans and statesmen from China to help Japan adopt certain aspects of Tang China.

But clearly this website's readers are largely anti-China, so forget about actually doing research yourselves, we'll just all of a sudden start believing politicians words (but if they're anti-USA words, oh h*ll no, we'll fight tooth and nail to mock and discredit those apparently incompetent Japanese politicians).

6 ( +10 / -4 )

That master of fake apologies Aso and Abe team, talk less better, like asking fellow old Japanese to die off faster. What an awful politician!

-11 ( +3 / -14 )

@Tony Ew, "awful" does not add anyting new to the meaning of "politician" in Japan. Unfortunately...

1 ( +2 / -1 )

OK, I really wish there was a way to edit comments, the final paragraph of my previous comment was directed at the two comments at the top, forgot to note it and now it sounds like I was being pissy at everyone OTL (Although from the number of thumbs ups on all the anti-China comments it still does seem like a good portion of readers are anti-China.)

Re; Xiron HoyosMAY. 06, 2013 - 08:21AM JST "*i feel so sad , so so much hate between China and Japan :(( both countries that i love. i received two Chinese person as guest in my house in Europe. and told me something i never knew that the red colour of the Chinese flag means the blood of many Chinese dead by Japanese.....

(...)

fight between China and Japan for a island also crazy from both of them. why we dont ask what the people of the island think. they have also free mind of speech. im from a island and we are now independed. as me as island mentality let the island people choose or even i think 80% people of that island want to be own country. or other solution make as Cyprus island which is devided half Turkish and half Greek island.

I hope one day will be peace between Japan and China :(( even my ex chinese girlfriend broke up with me because she hate it that i have some japanese friends :(( so unfair..

we human and every countries did very bad things, France was also bad guys, also Rome time Italian were bad, everywhere bad even American also were bad country to wipe out almost all native american indian.*"

I agree, although over on the islands these two are fighting over I believe there's actually no one living there, so they can't ask anyone. Actually, my ideal solution to their little spat would be for both sides to join in a bombing exercise and sink that thorn in their side. And then maybe the US can stop adding fuel to the fire and using it as an excuse to load up arms over here in East Asia, you'd think we're like a storage facility or something for them.

It frustrates me whenever my family or friends in China complain about Japan because it's always the same old grudge with the same old arguments, and then it exasperates me whenever Japan does something like stubbornly insisting on the PM visiting that shrine, and then it sets off a whole new set of irrational protests and violence over in China (well, not just China, but here the topic is on Japan and China.)

I wish both sides would just shut up and...have a time out or something. Like seriously guys, neither side is going anywhere, neither side can just up their country and move, so you're stuck with each other like it or not, just get along. Stop dwelling on the past because it doesn't make the present or the future better. If you don't want the past repeated then do something about it, plant the seeds of understanding, tolerance, forgiveness, so that the future generations will have no reason to start another conflict with each other. All this simmering tension, anger, resentment, hatred, it's not going to lead to anything good, and if another war does break out who's going to suffer the most? The citizens of both countries will suffer, and that sufferings the same regardless if you're Chinese or Japanese. Every time conflict breaks out, it's always the civilians that pay the heaviest price in the sick little game of politics.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

I think our focus should be on Current and not on History. Current problem is frequent incursions of China and muscle flexing. China is forgetting that its growth is coming from the same countries, it has been troubling. It is high time for China to create the problems in Asia and taking the protection that we were exploited before the world war 2. History cannot be a shield for your misdeeds and incursions in others territories. Asian countries including Taiwan, Philippines, Vietnam should get together to contain the Chinese incursions in others land.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

Dear China, you should grow but that does not mean you should extend/grow your border boundaries into other nations :-) Stop incursions.

5 ( +8 / -3 )

Forget past just extend olive branch and see what Chinese will say.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Japan has never had smooth ties with China: A

Well he didn't mention who was responsible for that.

The comments at a meeting with Indian business people in New Delhi came amid continuing tensions between Japan and China over disputed Tokyo-controlled islands in the East China Sea.

is it a business tactics? and did he think tension between two countries is only because of disputed Tokyo-controlled islands in the East China Sea

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

I'll say Japan has been doing Olive Branch policy since the normalization of relations in the 70s. The results are coming in now.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

Wow, the Asian countries coming together to bully against China. Over the past 1500 years the cultural exchange between China and Japan was fruitful but due to pride and ego, two country's often had conflicts. But if the Abe government continue along the lines now, it will be very devastating for people in Asian.

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

@Manu Datta, your exactly right, Zhang Xian, the Buddhist Monk, its a prime example. The Nalunda University, in the prime time of Indian history, witnessed unpresidented exchange in culture between India and China. His works from learning in Nalunda was bought back to China and then follows subsequently transmitted into Japan, via the trades routes in Fukouka.

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

@Tiger

Wow, the Asian countries coming together to bully against China. Since China has been and remains the bully I think the correct English word in this case would be "defense", as in:

Wow, the Asian countries coming together to defend themselves against China

Seems China is contributing something positive to the region after all, but it would be even better if they had heloed create this postive effect by using positive actions instead!

5 ( +8 / -3 )

Tony Ew,

Here is my suspicion. Japan/US big scheme to encircle China.

Actually, it seems to me that it's more of a US plan that uses their satellite (Japan).

I doubt that Japanese politicians could think up such a thing by themselves. They can't see beyond Tokyo.

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

Aso needs not give any lecture on the differences between Japan and China the Indian Business Investors are very well aware of the dispute between Japan and China. They are also investors in China as well. For years now India and China also have dispute over their common borders. This dispute largely inherited from the British empire period while in India.. Both countries are determine to resolve their difference without third party involvement and this has been continue for sometime now that's why there was no further military engagement along their common borders.

Aso should learn a lesson or two from the Indian Government in the manner China and India handle their dispute rather than trumpeting its problem with China.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Japan has never in the past 1,500 years had a smooth relationship with China

Aso has never had a smooth relationship with neighbors since his was born. Taro Aso of bad mouth politician was born on 20 September 1940. His life span is only 73 years. He will not survive another 1500 years definitely. Ancient proud civilization of China and India have survived 5000 years and will survive another 1500 years.

-6 ( +2 / -8 )

Even a fairly innocious comment (that is arguably "true" depending on one's subjective view) sounds horrilbe when uttered by Aso "the (put in word that sounds like his name in English)". This man really should be forbidden/prevented from speaking anywhere where microphones or other recording devices are present.

3 ( +8 / -5 )

Great to see finally some strong leadership in Japan after a while. There is a need for strong leadership in Asia and I hope Abe and Aso government alongwith other Asian contries can provide some leadership.

Who dropped the bombs and where, what Britishers did, what Germans did, what French did decades ago is not so important. Present is more important than History. And the present situation is China is trying to get into other`s territories which needs to be controlled by the International community.

4 ( +7 / -3 )

gokai: "What we don't understand is why we did the same thing the British did,"

So, the Japanese have no minds of their own?

-3 ( +5 / -8 )

Sorry but this two-faced joker is all smiles when face-to-face but stabbing you in the back when you're facing the other way.

No smooth ties for the past 1500 years? What an idiot. But then I wouldn't expect much from someone who can't even speak his own language properly and won't even admit to slave labour in the family business. I'd love to see Sino-Indian relations improve, if not just to spite these right-wing idiots. And no, I don't think he has any street-cred, despite those Trilby hats and his love of manga. I find him and his colleagues sickening. I'd like to say that the Japanese don't deserve these politicians, but they voted for them (or were so apathetic they didn't bother voting anyone).

-4 ( +4 / -8 )

well i guess they don't appreciate the japanese contantly trying to make them bend over...

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

I believe India and Japan are ancient Civilisations which have not been hijacked by the Communist thought and continue to respect the individual freedom and culture. The People's Republic of China has been playing the Chinese Checkers game with all its neighbours and encroaching upon their land without empathy and regard for their inherent values and tradition. Tibet stands out as an example wherein the PLA has gobbled up an entire nation and made its enthnic people minority in their very own land. Post WWII, Japan does not have a full fledged Military of its own and is largely dependent on the United States for its protection. Today, even the US seems weak in front of China who has even become the largest creditor of the United States. This leaves Japan and India with no option but to assume their Ancient Military Prowess against a Red Dragon that shows no remorse towards its own people, leave alone the ones invaded by it. Time Japan and India did the unthinkable, but now very probable.

7 ( +9 / -2 )

Good old Aso making friends as usual.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

Japanese Words, and many traditional Arts as well as some other things, are actually rooted from Chinese. Dose that mean tough tie with China? I hope Japan to make dicision this time to cut off relationship with China and resume diplomatic tie with Taiwan, it is the only way to show the world you could/ would do what you really want to instead of empty words from mouths of Abe, Aso, A... etc.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Japan has never had smooth ties with China: Aso

So true. I'm loving this cabinet's approach to China and SK. Neighbors don't have to be buddies. That's why there are borders to begin with.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

For the past few decades, Japan had been number two in GDP until China took over that position recently, Japan never learned the art of diplomacy. Other than money and trade that other countries want, who is actually a true friend of Japan? What has Japan done to improve it's relations with other countries? Do you notice any significant changes since the 1980's? For other countries, attraction to Japan has its limitations. Attraction to Japan’s image does readily translate to similar appeal to Japanese foreign policy. For Japan, the barriers to gaining support are the scars of militarism and the cultural product’s absence of values which the J-goverment never directly faced up to. In East Asia, where Japanese product is consumed, Japan’s wartime conduct still continue to create animosity with its nearest neighbors.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

sfjp330, let me confirm that China has good character and dignity in terms of responding to Japan’s provocation, these attributes have nothing to do with corruption, environment or any other internal issues. They only show that China is a better leader than Japan. Besides all developing countries have corruption, it is the process that all the countries in the world have to go through. From what I can see corruption has not hindered China’s progress at this stage of the development only that it can be a threat to its political systems. And, China can never get rid of the corruption nor it really wants to do it at this time. Now back to the topic. This is not the first time that J govt has bad- mouthed other countries either. Remember what J officials made the news in Mongolia and Turkey. Japan can never garner the respect and trust when it always displays the negative attitude towards other countries especially its biggest neighbour.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

FlowersMay. 07, 2013 - 06:05AM JST From what I can see corruption has not hindered China’s progress at this stage of the development only that it can be a threat to its political systems. And, China can never get rid of the corruption nor it really wants to do it at this time.

China's economic expansion is more illusory than spectacular. The constraint on future growth by severe environmental problem in China is not being addressed by the goverment with urgency, even as their people chokes on dense smog and contaminated water. China expansion has been achieved at the terrible cost of pollution, and damage to ecosystem functions, and depletion of natural resources. The magnitude of the environmental pollution and destruction in China is so staggering. 16 of the world's 20 most polluted cities are in China and 90% of its groundwater is polluted and majority of China's rivers and lakes are heavily contaminated. The air is so nasty with sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide. Many regions of Chin are the most polluted air in the world. Compare to China, Japan has done remarkable job reducing pollution.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

It seems to me that the times when Japan had good relations with China was when a woman ruled. For example, during the legendary Himeko of the 2nd or 3rd century and during Empress Suiko during the early Asuka period. I supposed the relations really when south when one of the kingdoms of Korea, Baekje with Japanese support lost to Silla that was back by Tang of China. I'm not sure you can blame China for the Mongolian invasions or attempts since the Mongols had taken over China and established the Yuan dynasty that was defeated with muslin help. Rest of the time it was Japan fighting itself or Korea or Ryukyu Kingdom or China until it became a imperial power like the European powers that sliced up China for profit. After that, relations just got worse. Judging by the history, Japan isn't going to get along with its neighbors until it has a an Empress or female PM.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Aso is still an idiot and he proves to the world that he knows next to nothing about the history of his country or the region.

China and Japan had rather productive relations between the Qin and Tang dynasties, and was particularly influenced by Chinese culture during the Tang dynasty, when many Japanese diplomatic missions were made and many books, etc. were brought to Japan from China.

Students of Buddhism will know that Kukai, Saicho and Esai Zenji all traveled to China and sent time there studying and being ordained, with Kukai being made the leader of the Shingon sect by his Chinese teacher. There are many other examples of positive interaction. China feel into decline toward the end of the Tang, and that is when Japan stopped sending diplomatic missions and scholars, but trade continued.

@House Atreides The 1274 invasion may have been something of a departure, but that was after China had been sacked by the Mongols, who then attempted to invade Japan.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

Perhaps if Japan hadn't tried invading so often, relations would be smoother.

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

bombaykittyMay. 06, 2013 - 11:32AM JST i agreed with you!

thx for the only person who read my comment =(

lets hope for peace one day!

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

I thought only US politicians have big mouth. Aso, too?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Not only with Japan and India, Communist Chinese had problem with its neighbor Vietnam and Philippine in recently. If you go back to 1500 years, Chinese Mongol Emperors invaded 4 times to its small neighbor Burma but they lost all 4 wars with Burma. Old Chinese Emperors and current Communist Chinese leaders all have aggressive manner to their neighbors. Communist leaders will invade Taiwan once they have domestic political problems or if they have chance. You can not trust current Communist Government. Aso was telling the truth but he will face criticism from Communist Chinese Government and its media.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

budgieMay. 07, 2013 - 07:37PM JST Perhaps if Japan hadn't tried invading so often, relations would be smoother.

How often is that? Japan invaded China in 1937. The Sino-Japanese War of 1884 was all fought at sea and on the Korean Peninsula. China, under the Mongols tried unsuccessfully to invade Japan twice in the 1200s.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Aso did not explain why China and Japan did not have good relations for a long time. I fill in the blanks for the readers. Except for the Mongol invasions of Japan twice, it was the aggressive Japanese invasions of China and Korea and other Asian countries, how can we forget? Why? I suspect Japan as usual acts out of desperation to acquire more wealth and natural resources from neighboring countries. Japan probably should just reduce her population naturally so there is more wealth to spread around and stop looting wealth from other countries.

It' the same theme over and over. Japan is a resource poor country and this is the fundamental reason why she is such an aggressive country, hungry for more wealth that can only be gained by aggression against others.

-8 ( +0 / -8 )

China not doing EXACTLY THE SAME THING Mr. Ew? Exapnding via oceans in such as way that is has made SE and E Asia wary of its advances? All you do is rip on Japan - give it a rest why don't you? No way to move forward if all you want to do is argue about the past.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

@TokiyoMay. 08, 2013 - 08:24AM JST

China not doing EXACTLY THE SAME THING Mr. Ew? Exapnding via oceans in such as way that is has made SE and E Asia wary of its advances? All you do is rip on Japan - give it a rest why don't you? No way to move forward if all you want to do is argue about the past.

Relax Tokiyo. I am not ripping into Japan without a factual basis, at least if you accept my argument that a hungry desperate country will do 'unimaginable acts of aggression' to improve the well being of her people.

I liken Japan to Genghis Khan invading China because the barbarians at that time are really desperate for a better life. It is also like the former USSR wanting to move to S E Asia via Vietnam to have warm waters, away from their frigid miserable motherland, besides ideological pursuit.

Why you mention China and I say it is different? Because in China case there is historical basis and legal basis, but this post will never take care of that, so no diversion here.

-8 ( +0 / -8 )

TonyEw: Relax Tokiyo. I am not ripping into Japan without a factual basis, at least if you accept my argument that a hungry desperate country will do 'unimaginable acts of aggression' to improve the well being of her people.

Which country are you talking about here? My first impression is China. There is a lot of improvement needed for the well being of her people, and China acts desperate and hungry at almost every turn.

I have never considered Japan hungry or desperate. Japan is a world leader and should be proud of what it has accomplished following the Imperial Japan era.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

So, I accept your argument if you are referring to China.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Kobuta Chan

I guess you got paid for potraying Mongul invasion of Burma as Ancient China invasion to Burma. It has nothing to do with ancient China. It was byself colonised and conquered by Monguls.

In fact Burma was very aggressive for invading and bullying of Siam. Ayodaya has still have Buddha statue heads cut by Burmese soliders. Burma tried to conquer Siam many times. Like mongul they suffered cruel fate and withdrew with massive loss.

History has showed Burma is fair weather friend who has never honour the debt obligation. Currently Burma is sweet to Japan because outstanding loans have been written off. However Japan can not bail out Burma unperfoming loans all the time. Besides that China helped to build Burma infrastruture projects and gave many development aids during western sanctions. It has never appreciated the help from both Japan and China.

No wonder Burma is still backward and corrupted like Africa.

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Seriously Aso? How can you have smooth ties when his own family had enacted so much atrocity to the Chinese?

Someone should follow up with his comment on what did his father and grandfather do to profit from the invasion against China.

Smooth ties? There are still living individuals who survived the war in both sides. Have China ever invaded Japan in the past say 300 years? Did the Chinese rape Japanese women from infant to elderly in mass, as in the millions, then either murdered them or caused them to commit mass suicides due to shame, pain and sufferings? Did the Chinese kill and murder tens of millions innocent Chinese civilians in the past oh say 80 years?

And what did the China do to Japan other than disputing a few pieces of rocks? Seriously, anybody?

Wait.. some of you will argue that but but but we are peaceful people... and and and... we gave all these ODA to China with lower interest rates... so its really those commie's fault nevermind it was the nationalist who were in charge during those dark days.

And more of you will say... its ancient history man... why can't we move on... those crazy Chinese always the trouble makers and they are devils who kill millions of their own and the Tibetans... They are the devils... we the Japanese are saints and angels and peace loving folks that are suffering from those commie threat... who still cares that our predecessors killed tens of millions of them and wreck havoc on half the world. WE ARE GOOD PEOPLE, we're the victims here can't you see?

That's we we bring up that China never had smooth ties with Japan. And we rub it in their faces that our glorious leaders like Tojo are Kami and heroes that we need to enshrine them and pay respect to them glorious every year and blast it all over the TV broadcasts. And we need to clarify and teach our current and next generations of peace loving innocent children that none of those raping, killing, beheading, burying POWs, starving the POWs, burning the POWs alive happened. They are all fantasies and LIES. So we won't teach them and educate our youngsters about them. If we do this long enough, nobody else will be asking in a hundred year after and we will have full deniability.

And if people ask, those Chinese are murderers that kill millions of their owns and they invaded Tibet? Can't you belief those Monsters? And someone will ask, can anyone point out Tibet on the map for us please? Or has anyone met a Tibetan before? Anyone been to Tibet? What do the Tibetan eat and how do they live? Complete silence ensue. But those Chinese kill them all. We're the good guys.

Does that cover it all?

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Highball7 Tibetans are the largest refugee group in India. They were also once the same in Nepal, but thanks to the Communist rise there, the Reds have either handed them back to the Chinese OR arrested them OR pushed them into India. Japan by far has been one of the countries that has helped the Tibetan people to survive and protect their already endangered culture through financial and social support, a culture that the Chinese are so hell bent on making extinct. While the Chinese keep talking about Nanking all the time, do they know what PLA had done in Tibet. An Arab would blow himself up and kill a couple. But when a monk carries out Self Immolation, he kills more than himself. He kills himself for there is hope that's been killed within him and the community he is a part of.

Nanking was wrong but what happens in Tibet wherein the Tibetans have become minority. Japan didnt make Chinese minority in CHina. Who explains that ?

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Back on topic please.

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