Comment on “Time is right to strengthen China-Japan ties” (China Daily, August 23)

The Japanese ambassador has said the right thing and duly performed his duty as an efficient diplomat to strengthen China- Japan ties. The reality is that the leaders of the two countries, time and again, have proven to be lacking in their ability to turn these hopes into achievements.

The problems mainly lie in leadership weakness, historical animosity and American interference. It is hard for America to accept a cordial China-Japan relationship without feeling threatened. It is also hard for Japan to free itself from American influence.

It is going to take a long time, even longer than ambassador Niwa’s term of office, before any real improvement in China -Japan ties will be made.

niwahao, via website

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