Japan - China : Yoshi's Commentary

In Response to some of the criticism of Japan's role in the recent China-Japan crisis, Yoshi Ishida has addresses a few of these issues:

-Level A War Criminals contaminates the Yasukuni Shrine

The Tokyo Tribunal that criminalized several Japanese leaders in WWII was in its entirety a Kangaroo court, which was, and still is, not legitimate. US dropped two atomic bombs in 1945 and killed many civilians, but US Presidents are still buried at the Arlington cemetery. Like the US president, Japanese PMs must visit to Yasukuni shrine every year to commemorate dead soldiers. If Yasukuni was contaminated, you have to accept that Arlington is contaminated, as well. That this means, is that the Chinese can go to their cemeteries, Americans can use their own cemeteries, and Japanese can utilize the Yasukuni shrine.

- Japan should apologize to China, once more

Japan has already apologized too much-- too many times so far. Japanese media and the government tried to be friendly with China, but China escalated anti-Japan education with its own crazy textbook. China does it because the China gov't feels at ease while people protest at going on against Japan. Chinese people are not allowed to criticise their own gov't no matter how the corrupt it may be. Thus the Chinese gov't needs anti-J sentiment.

- China and Japan are both wrong.

Cookiesap used to suuport China 100% when I met him in the first time. Now he says both are wrong. It is a good progress. Likewise, the international society began to blame China. For example, EU postponed selling weapons to China. Good progress. The world witnessed the injustice within China; a communist country.

I think the anti-Japan terror is not a crisis, but a very good chance to wake up Japanese people and alarm business people all over the world. Anti-Japan terrors will not stop. I know it will happen again. Japan should seek friendship with pro-Japan countries like Taiwan, India, and ASEAN countries.

Do you agree with Yoshi?

China - Japan: BBC Feature

BBC News has launched a very interesting feature on the China-Japan rivalry


Article link

One of the most provoking phrases, is by Wen Jiabao:"Only a country that respects history, takes responsibility for past history and wins over the trust of the people in Asia and the world at large can take greater responsibility in the international community"

How can China claim this in a country where the Tiananmen protesters are seen as "terrorists"?

What do YOU think?

Korea Prepares for New Administrative Capital City

Korean Land Corp (KLC), a state-run enterprise, has commenced on the first phase of constructing a new administrative capital in South Chungcheong Province, 160 Km south of Seoul. The project, which is supposed to relieve Seoul of of its overcrowding problems, has been scheduled over the next 20 years in the new cities of Yeongi and Gongju.

Whether this project will be successful or not-- only time will tell. Korea has, however, had success in the past with planned cities such as Changwon in the province of South Gyungnam. Whether Korea will follow the success of Brazil's capital relocation, is up for discussion: please share your comments and thougths.

Related article in the Korea Herald

Japan and China: A Japanese Commentary

Yoshi Ishida, an MA graduate from the University of Warwick, now residing in Tokyo, has a strong opinion about the recent diplomatic row between China and Japan:

Japan has tried to be ESPECIALLY friendly with China and South Korea, (and North Korea as well until the 1980s) because of what happened in WWII. That is why Japan has spent a lot of money (which comes from Japanese taxpayers) to help SK and China
develop their infrastructure. Japan has also apologised for WWII many times to SK and China.

The anti-Japan rows will happen again tommorrow... and it will never end. Please do not forget China also has problems with Taiwan, Tibet, and the ASEAN countries.

I think Japan also has its own problems. Japan was too apologetic for what it has done in the past and it did not try to explain its own position e.g. why Yasukuni Shrine is important to the Japanese. Now many Westerners believe what China and the protesters says and misunderstand the significance of the Yasukuni shrine. Did you know a group of Taiwanese politicians visited the Yasukuni Shrine last month? Perhaps not....

Your comments are welcome!

Japan and China - Blaim 'em both!!!

Cookiesap Commentary:

The recent row is just another chapter in the mindless diplomatic relationship between two rivaling superpowers that allocate too much political capital and legitimacy in their historic discontent with the other. With the lack of an East Asian regional structure (such as the EU or ASEAN), and much worse, with both countries refusing to accept their own histories exactly as they occurred; the mistrust and apathy will prevail indefinitely. The stubbornness of both countries is to blame.


Please share your thoughts, emotions and opinions

10,000 Anti-Japanese protesters in Beijing

April 10: For two days running, anti-Japanese protests have mustered in the streets of Beijing to perhaps reach as many as 10,000 demonstrators. Flag burning and stone-throwing against the Japanese embassy were but a few of the actions taken by the disgruntled Chinese. But were they "thinking for themselves"?

China has had explosive economic growth, but in the process of keeping the China unified under the CCP, China has felt compelled to remain bent over a few political, and definitely ideological issues. One of them is the Taiwan issue, another is with Tibet, and perhaps the most appropos, is the anti-Japanese sentiment. It is a growing a problem, which could lead to decreasing terms of trade that in turn could undermine the legitimacy of the CCP. The party is largely depending on economic growth for acceptance among not only the Chinese but also other world powers.

Is China slowly painting itself into a corner, by not balancing these issues adequately and keeping them "at check". Although these issues repeat themselves every couple years or so, has china now so many problematic hards on her hand, that the country is stuck in the middle of a dilemma? These protests are definitely not typical!!

China's future depend on your comment .... :)

BBC Article

Chen the Fox or the Bulldog?

Is Chen Shui-Bian a Bully? or a cunning fox?

With his latest ploy to cool the recent "china fever" by investigating unauthorized contact with PR China, and with his wish to attend the Pope's funeral, is Mr. Chen trying to reach new grounds in the PRC - ROC conflict. We have seen Mr. Chen's controversies before - but have they reached new hights? Should we be afraid?

Although many Mainland Chinese despise Mr. Chen, what is your view of this charismatic person?

Where will his vociferous and daring comments lead Taiwan?

With Mr. Chen's provocative nature, you are encouraged to follow suit on your comments. Xie xie.

The Internet and Pop-Ups

Pop-ups are the bane of my "online" existance. For the past three days, it seems that I've been working non-stop on installing blocker software and fidgeting with my internet settings in order for my computer to be even remotely operational. It is very damaging to the efficiency of my internet browsing. Thousands of similar users must feel the same.

Why does the internet community allow for such herassment of people's "surfing"?

To address this question in its proper context, my questions to this blog are:

Is this equally large problem for internet users in East Asia?
Does much of this "spam" come from East Asia?
What are the East Asian governments doing to hem this proliferation of pop-ups?

Thanks for your comments!

China...the beautiful

The very, very hungry China
By SAP



With an explosive economy year after year, China continues to impress and awe anywhere from Buenos Aires to Berlin. There are but a few indications that the metaphorical “dragon” will rest again soon. Instead, it is undergoing a metamorphosis, much similar to the children’s story The Very Hungry Caterpillar. In the famous story, a caterpillar indulges its insatiable demand for food by eating apples, pies, meat, etc. etc. In the case of China, you can substitute those food items with just about any raw material you can think of (except for democracy, if that applies). Look at how steel prices are soaring due to China's high demand. In the story, the caterpillar ends up becoming a beautiful butterfly. Will that also happen to China?

All over the world, Chinese culture has proliferated at an amazing rate. From blockbuster movies such as “Hero” and “House of flying daggers", to thousands of foreigners who now travel and study abroad in China; it is now obvious that China needs to do little to attract attention. Is that “beauty” -- to attract such attention? Many cover page models might not be beautiful to everyone, but at least they are famous – does that not suffice? Or at least society has constructed the idea for us that they definitely are beautiful.

Today we start to see China’s involvement all over the world. In African oil endeavors, in building infrastructure in South America, and many other project which would not fit in this account. It might be seen as greed, but with investment and new business opportunities for developing countries in South East Asia and Latin America, the proverbial “spilling over” of both capital and culture (two important C’s) seems like a viable option … much like with the United States today.

This is not necessarily to illustrate that China will threaten East Asia or the current world order. Instead China teaches us that even though a civilization is greedily eating away anything in its way (like many European empires of the past), it may have a dynamic future. Just like the caterpillar. It may thus restore the splendor and art of the Sung and Ming dynasties, which though romanticsm has created and constructed the very ideas and perspectives which today are ingrained in our tastes and preferences -- to once again appreciate china as 漂亮 or “beautiful”.


Your comments are highly appreciated

Soccer: Bad day for East Asian teams

It was a bad day for the East Asian teams in the 2006 World Cup qualifyer.

South Korea - Saudi Arabia: 0-2

North Korea - Bahrain: 1-2

Japan - Iran: 1-2


Rumor says, that North Korea has "players of mass destruction".

Unfortunately, two fans were killed in a stampede in Iran after the celebrations of the surprise win over Japan.

Soccer: Bad day for East Asian teams

It was an unfortunate day for the 3 East Asian teams in the World Cup 2006 qualifyers on Friday.

North Korea - Bahrain: 1-2

South Korea - Saudi Arabia: 0-2

Iran - Japan: 2-1


To make things worse: Following Iran's surprising victory, the celebrations after the game cost the lives of two Iranian fans who were killed in a stampede.

"Intentions".....

Property of Korea Herald

The words North Korea was so interested in hearing, were finally uttered by the "loyal" Secretary of State:

"The United States has no intention to attack North Korea"

According to the Korea Herald:
"U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice yesterday urged North Korea to make a "strategic choice" to give up its nuclear weapons, and repeated that the United States has no intention of attacking the North.
"North Koreans know that the United States said repeatedly that we have no intention of invading or attacking North Korea," Rice said at a joint news conference with South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon before leaving for China on the final leg of an Asian tour. She came here after visiting India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Japan. "

By Lee Joo-hee
Article Link


Well... they had better not. The US cannot afford another war. Look at the numbers -- the US is in red ALL OVER. While George W. Bush wants to help the future generations in his quest of ideology, he might help the children of Afghanistan and Iraq, but he is certainly not doing much for the unpriviledged Americans...

What do you think?

Is Rice doing a good job?

Keeping in mind its role as a common staple in East Asia, "Rice" must have been a success :)

China growth theatens the Mekong

"For countless generations, fishermen along the Mekong River have passed their lore and way of life from father to son: the rhythms of the water, the habits of the many kinds of fish, the best nets and traps to use to survive and prosper."

By Jane Perlez, The New York Times
Article Link



Yet, things will not carry on as smoothly with the Mekong in the future... that is, if China's insatiable demand for energy continues.

Will China be able to bridle its very high demand in power/electricity?

Would "clean" energy sources (wind, solar, wave, etc.) help save East Asias natural treasures?

Is the world going to end once China is fully industrialized?

What can "the West do"?

We need your input!

Hyundai - the turning of the tide!

Cookiesap is back, after a long period of non-activity on his behalf (due to computer problems). Thank god, Chin-Fu posted so many intriguing articles!

Being a Koreaphile, he would like to share with you an article about the Hyundai and how the tide is turning for the Ulsan Automaker.

LINK to the Article (www.marketwatch.com)


Do you think Hyndai is closer to a wheel-barrow or a standard saloon/sedan?

Should we invest our entire retirement savings in Hyndai?

AFP: North Korea's Kim says nuclear talks can resume 'if conditions met'

(AFP & AP)

"BEIJING (AFP) - North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il said six-party talks on his country's nuclear drive can resume "at any time" if certain conditions are met, Chinese state media said."


Kim did not, however, specify what the conditions are.

Full Article

Is Kim trying to take advantage, and try to appear "in control"?

Will the 6-party talks disarm DPRK?

Does Kim have the bomb?

China military buildup threatens US forces: CIA chief (AFP)

"...Testifying before the Senate Intelligence Committee, Goss also highlighted threats to the United States from North Korea (news - web sites), which he warned could resume missile tests anytime after boasting of its nuclear weapons' might last week.

"Beijing's military modernisation and military buildup could tilt the balance of power in the Taiwan Strait," said Goss, who took over as CIA director in September.

"Improved Chinese capabilities threaten US forces in the region," he told the committee assessing the main security threats to the United States.

Goss said that China was stepping up efforts to "develop robust, survivable nuclear armed missiles as well as conventional capability for use in regional conflicts....."

Complete Article

Seoul Doubts N.Korea Has Nukes, Despite Claim (Reuters)

Here we go again.......

"SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea's top policymaker on North Korea said Monday North Korea's claim to have nuclear weapons was unproven and Seoul's controversial engagement policy with the North would remain, at least for now.

North Korea explicitly said for the first time last Thursday that it had atomic weapons. The reclusive communist state also said it was pulling out of six-party talks aimed at ending a two-year impasse over its nuclear programs because of what it called U.S. hostility. "There is no doubt that North Korea has 10 to 14 kg (22 to 31 pounds) of plutonium, but there is no evidence that the North has turned it into plutonium bombs," Minister of Unification Chung Dong-young told parliament Monday. "

Reuters via Yahoo!News
Complete article

Is Mr. Chung having a point or trying to comfort a worrying nation?

Does North Korea have the bomb?

Any North Koreans out there (either in or outside of the hermit kingdom) .... who wish to comment on this?

The North Korea Bugaboo and the Seas

SEOUL - North Korea issued a strong warning to South Korea on Saturday over what it claimed was the South's repeated intrusion into its waters, saying the alleged infringements could lead to a 'very serious disaster'.

A statement reported by Pyongyang's official Korean Central News Agency said: 'The South Korean army perpetrated military provocations by infiltrating a battleship several times into the North Korean waters.

AFP in the Straits Times
Full Article

With an ambiguous maritime border and with North Korea's re-ignited brinksmanship, are we closer now than ever to a breach in the 1954 armastice agreement?

How can the South Korean people help prevent an escalation in the crisis?

Kim's New Claim: We have nukes!!!! ...... really?

The New York Times Reports:

North Korea declared publicly on Thursday for the first time that it possessed nuclear weapons and would refuse to return to disarmament talks. That left China, the United States and its allies to debate whether diplomacy could still persuade the North Koreans to give up the nuclear option.

Feb. 10. 2005.

Full Article

Do they have nuclear weapons....really?

Might they have a nuclear 'bomb', but without the missile capability needed to threaten other countries, such as Japan and Fiji?

Should Tokyo's mayor be as audacious as always?

Can Rice salvage the situation?

Beijing invites Tokyo to talk

BEIJING-China has asked Japan to enter a bilateral ``strategic dialogue'' on the vice foreign minister level concerning regional and global situations and economic issues, diplomatic sources said over the weekend.
Beijing has recently urged several major nations to enter into special policy dialogues.
While India and the United States have already entered special talks with China, Tokyo has yet to respond.

Asahi.com. Full article.

Another round of good ol' Asian 'talk'?

What good will come of this?