Playing with fire [By Jiao Haiyang/China.org.cn]

It is a pity that in the 40th year after diplomatic ties between Japan and China were normalized the relationship between the two countries has taken a turn for the worse, with Shintaro Ishihara, the governor of Tokyo, and Toru Hashimoto, the governor of Osaka, trying to use the anti-foreign nationalism that is deeply rooted among the Japanese people for their own political aims.

Politicians who genuinely want the best for their country and people do not create unnecessary friction, whether in domestic or international matters, and demonstrate leadership by offering solutions to any problems that might arise. In this sense, the Ishihara style of politics is dictatorial, not democratic. Now, more than ever, Chinese and Japanese politicians and people must work together to find common points of view and effective methods to solve problems.

The proposal to purchase the Diaoyu Islands is not supported by a large number of Japanese citizens, but there certainly exists a small group of people that supports the idea. The territorial rights claimed by both countries are a result of historical circumstances. Attempting to unilaterally solve that problem with money will only further complicate the situation. It is essential that both countries now make efforts to find a peaceful method to solve the problem.

Differences between China and Japan should be solved by direct discussions between the two countries. There is really no need for the United States to intervene. In addition, there is no reason at present for the US to act as an intermediary between the two countries. I believe that China and Japan can resolve this issue through sincere discussions, and that such discussions should be considered a good opportunity to show the true meaning of the friendship and goodwill that exists between the two countries.

It is now a fact that China has become the second largest economy in the world, and that is in itself a wonderful accomplishment. Since Japan also acquired economic power through effort and hard work, many Japanese are well disposed toward China's economic achievements. At the same time, the level of China's national income will in the future be comparable with that of Japan. This will be a very desirable situation since it will result in economic development for both countries. Therefore, even if there are some Japanese that do harbor bad feelings toward China because it has overtaken Japan to be the second largest economy in the world, there are not many who feel this way. And those Japanese who do harbor ill feelings simply do not understand economic matters at all.

The present state of being "economically warm and politically cool" may continue for some time, but I do not think that it will become permanent. There are certainly numerous political problems between the two countries, ranging from territorial disputes to historical problems.

However, in the final analysis, I believe that an "economically warm and politically warm" period will emerge since the majority of citizens in both countries desire it.

The governments and peoples of both countries should strive to establish closer ties and make a lasting contribution to the attainment of world peace. To this end, I think there is a need not only for the governments but also the citizens of both countries to become more active in promoting exchanges. I think that not only international exchange promoted through government leadership, but also citizen-led exchanges between the peoples of the two countries will help foster greater mutual understanding and build bridges between the two peoples.

The author is a professor of East Asia studies at Yamaguchi University.