The role of China, Japan, and Korea in East Asia

AKP Mochtan, Tokyo

The past, present and future are getting tangled up in a bizarre way in East Asia. Crude anti-Japanese sentiment in China and South Korea is jolting Japan like never before. Japanese diplomats, businessmen, journalists and other observers were caught off guard. The turn of events was so sudden and for many simply incomprehensible.

Traditionally, Beijing and Seoul have always been ultra- sensitive to events in Tokyo. However, harsh words from Seoul's Blue House were atypical. Even more perplexing were the scale, ferocity and length of anti-Japanese demonstrations in China.

The horrors from Japan's past invasions, particularly the extreme brutality of the Japanese Imperial soldiers, appears to remain vivid in the minds of Chinese and Koreans. Seen from Beijing and Seoul, Tokyo lacks the resolve to atone from the gross atrocities it committed earlier; it is yet to fully and sincerely demonstrate its remorse. In the absence of conscientious efforts to redeem its past wrongs, Japan is seen to continue harboring expansionistic ambitions. As such, resentment and distrust loom large in both China and Korea.

Tokyo is well aware of the symbolism and deep sensitivity attached to these issues. Unfortunately, indifference and a domestic political agenda prevailed and conspired to block Tokyo from embarking on constructive diplomacy regarding these sticking points. Japan has thus failed to address the long-held concerns of its neighbors. As a result, the war history remains a contentious subject in the region, leading to a hardening of nationalistic feelings and self-righteous interpretations of events.

However, the rift in East Asia is not all about history. Present relations are also strained. The protests are as much about Japan's conflicting territorial claims with China and Korea, which have escalated into serious tensions. On the western seaside, the local Shimane Prefecture has forced an ordinance that practically imposes Japan's sovereignty on a chain of islands under dispute with Korea. In the East China Sea, the Economic Ministry in Tokyo recently issued an instruction to authorize drilling tests to explore the potential of undersea oil and gas reserves under dispute with China.

These heightened territorial disputes add fuel to already volatile emotions. The Koreans have reacted furiously to the Shimane Prefecture's overtures. Likewise, the ministry's decision has not improved already sour Sino-Japanese relations.

Japan's future aspirations, particularly its long-cherished dream to be a permanent member of an expanded United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is also an issue. The prospect of Japan's ascendancy to the UNSC is closer than ever before. This new status would significantly boost Tokyo's leverage in international politics, including in its rivalry vis-a-vis Beijing.

The Sino-Japanese rivalry does not necessarily present a grave and immediate danger for Asia. Some analysts have warned of a probable collision path due to steadily increasing military expenditure and an ever-growing sophistication of military hardware on each side. Overall, however, the China-Japan rivalry is primarily strategic, with increasing economic overtones and devoid of direct or imminent military threats.

The complicating factor for Beijing is Japan's defense and security alliance with the U.S., with Tokyo often seen as simply touting Washington's interests. Recently, several of Japan's U.S.-centric security policies have irked Beijing, particularly regarding Taiwan. Given this background, Tokyo's larger political-security role will also mean a bigger headache for Beijing.

Compounded, the problems brewing in East Asia are multifaceted and rooted in time and emotions. There may not be instant solutions to this complex situation but bitterly clinging to the past is certainly not going to help.

Beijing and Seoul's objections -- although they have never officially voiced them -- to Japan's bid for a place on the UNSC are grounded solely on their dissatisfaction with how Japan has handled its past mistakes.

Such claims are patently absurd and push emotional and bilateral issues out of proportion. Exaggerating and manipulating these issues into some kind of a pretext for a global threat would only make Beijing's and Seoul's claims sound hollow.

On its part, there is no mistake that Japan must demonstrate its resolve to address the sticky problem of history once and for all. Tokyo must make renewed efforts to earnestly settle the thorny issues of the past that are still bothering both Beijing and Seoul. The Japanese leaders cannot just brush aside the Chinese and Korean emotions by simply telling them to look to the future. Reconciling history and straightening past records must be top priority without delay. Unless and until all parties concerned arrive at an amicable solution to this long-overdue problem, there will never be a genuine and lasting friendship on which these East Asian nations can build a solid and sustainable foundation for the future.

The task of managing conflict in East Asia is not the responsibility for Tokyo alone. Beijing and Seoul too must do their part. Beijing, in particular, must stop resorting to raw force and crude intimidation tactics. In the context of China's politics, it is simply incomprehensible that the huge demonstrations and petitions against Japan happened "spontaneously," without the backing of the central government.

Japan may serve as a convenient scapegoat to cover up China's own domestic problems. But Beijing needs to realize that such reckless acts will only hurt itself, damaging its own image and reputation in the eyes of the world.

East Asia needs to urgently establish a more direct, much faster mechanism for conflict resolution at the highest level. Meetings between top leaders should be a part of proactive, preventive diplomacy strategy rather than a reactive, post- conflict initiative. The present incidents will hopefully present a stronger case to accentuate the urgency for such proactive and preventive diplomacy in East Asia.

China, Japan and South Korea must examine their differences and act responsibly. At stake is much more than simply narrow national pride. Any conflict among Asia's giants would quickly spill over into a wider arena and have serious consequences for international security.

AKP Mochtan is a research and planning officer at the Tokyo- based Asian Productivity Organization.