Sino-Japanese ties

Given the depth of bitterness that still exists over Japanese atrocities committed half a century ago, it is unlikely any act of atonement will ever be considered sufficient.

Tokyo is expected to go further than before to bury this legacy when Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi apologizes for his nation's wartime aggression during today's (Thursday's) summit with Chinese President Jiang Zemin.

Jiang's visit is the first by a Chinese head of state and, as such, of great symbolic value in protocol-conscious Tokyo. Economic ties are also of great importance. Despite the dismal state of the Japanese economy, Beijing remains by far the largest beneficiary of the nation's bilateral aid program. Japan is also a valuable ally in China's fight to join the World Trade Organization.

But tensions remain and continue to erupt over new issues. The legacy of the past means Beijing remains understandably suspicious of Tokyo's involvement in any military matters. That has long manifested itself in China's dislike of the U.S.- Japanese defense treaty, especially since the release of new security guidelines seen as enhancing Tokyo's role. The possibility that the defense of Taiwan may fall within the gambit of these guidelines poses another obstacle.

Now Japan's enthusiasm for a missile defense system has created a further cause of discord. Not surprisingly, Tokyo feels it has serious security concerns following the recent firing of a North Korean rocket over its territory. But Beijing refuses to recognize this.

Some of these differences may be glossed over in (Thursday's) summit amid the euphoria surrounding this ground-breaking visit. But they are unlikely to be resolved. Instead they serve as a reminder that, for historical and cultural reasons, Sino-Japanese ties are always going to be fraught with difficulties. Relations may now be better than at any time this century but the two countries are never destined to be close friends.

-- The South China Morning Post, Hong Kong