Yasuhiro Nakasone, prime minister of Japan from 1982 to 1987,
and a dozen members of Japan's Diet are visiting China with more
than 200 others from across Japan.
Though dubbed non-governmental, this trip is in no way less
important that any of Nakasone 's previous visits as Japanese head
of state. The name of the group - eternal friendship - says it
all.
As a career politician known for strategic insight, Nakasone
understands what is lacking between his country and ours. He is
here to try to narrow that gap.
At 89, Nakasone is the oldest in the delegation. There are
dozens of other delegates in their 60s. Their involvement in
non-governmental contacts between our two countries is admirable.
They are setting fine personal examples for politicians in both
countries who share genuine concern for bilateral ties.
Leaders of both countries claim they want friendship between the
two nations across generational lines. Neither China nor Japan
likes to see an enemy on its doorstep. But beyond the narrow strip
of water between the two countries, the expanse of unfavorable
mutual perception is wider and far more difficult to bridge.
Governments can do much in shaping state-to-state relations. The
two governments are constantly exchanging oaths of friendship.
President Hu Jintao's meeting Tuesday with the delegation
demonstrated the concern for better Sino-Japanese ties on his and
his comrades' minds.
But it takes multiple factors to make that goal a reality.
Sporadic stunts by some short-sighted right-wing politicians in
Japan have left the Chinese people with a very negative image of
their country. Such negative feelings have created a barrier to the
Chinese government's efforts to repair damaged ties.
In Japan, rightist propaganda about China, in addition to
intentional distortion of China's rightful appeal for Japanese
authorities to face history, has also fanned unfriendly sentiments
toward China.
This would not be the case if our peoples knew each other
better.
If we want genuine, lasting rapport, endeavors to repair ties
have to reach the heart.
There is a multitude of benefits in bringing Chinese and
Japanese people together, letting them get to know each other,
exchange ideas and even quarrel.
We hope our Japanese guests make friends here and learn
something they did not know about China or themselves.
(China Daily June 20, 2007)
