The "ambiguous strategy" adopted by Shinzo Abe, who is likely to be the next
Japanese prime minister, will make Sino-Japanese relations uncertain, according
to a Chinese scholar.
The comments, made by Gao Hong with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in
a commentary published on Thursday's overseas edition of People's Daily, refer
to Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Shinzo Abe's defence of current Prime
Minister Junichiro Koizumi's pilgrimages to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine
and his refusal to say whether or not he would visit the shrine as prime
minister.
"Abe must ultimately use facts to demonstrate whether he is truly serious
about relations with China," Gao said.
In August, Abe said he valued China-Japan relations during the Beijing-Tokyo
Forum in Tokyo. In April, Abe is reported to have visited the Yasukuni Shrine.
Gao listed three reasons why Abe has refused to answer the question of future
shrine visits.
Firstly, Abe wants to ease domestic pressure and pave the way for his
election. Koizumi's shrine visits have harmed Japan's neighborly diplomacy and
sparked protests from opposition and coalition parties, politicians and civil
groups.
Secondly, halting the visits is in the strategic interests of the United
States, who do not want to see Japan blocking relations with China and the
Republic of Korea (ROK).
Thirdly, Japan's aggression during the World War II is a fact, and it can not
be obliterated. Abe understands this point and shows more flexibility in this
regard than Koizumi.
Abe last week announced his candidacy to become Japan's next prime minister.
"Perhaps the strategists and advisers at Abe's side see the strategy of
ambiguity as a success, but they appear to have forgotten the lesson that
sincerity can vanquish a hundred tricks, " Gao said.
If Japan truly hopes to unload "the historical burden", it should review
history from the bottom of its heart, Gao said.
