politics

Abe to skip China visit during WWII commemoration

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What an embarrassment! Who advises this excuse for a politician?

0 ( +12 / -12 )

As if it was "his" to skip in the first place lol.

7 ( +12 / -5 )

(Cue in the baby chicken sound......) peep, peep, peep, peep.....

1 ( +7 / -6 )

I actually don't blame him for not attending only because of potential awkward situations. So far,the Chinese have made the focal point of these "commemorations" an excuse to bash Japan and boost nationalism, so Abe has more to lose politically by attending. On the other hand, President Park has more to lose politically by NOT attending.

8 ( +15 / -7 )

If I were Abe I wouldn't go to this Japan bashing event either.

China would love to rub this "commemoration" into his face.

6 ( +15 / -9 )

ThePBotAug. 25, 2015 - 07:27AM JST As if it was "his" to skip in the first place lol.

It was. Because China invited him. They invited alot of people but only despots, nobody's and people North Korea call a whore, are going. What a joke, a commemoration and parade of a victory that they didn't achieve. The real place to do it is Taiwan, but the people there aren't qute as puerile as Beijing.

0 ( +13 / -13 )

Why would Abe attend an anti-Japanese hate parade designed as a propaganda stunt to boost Xi?

9 ( +15 / -6 )

Crazyjoe. Those are my words too. Why would abe attend an anti-japan stunt

4 ( +11 / -7 )

Those are my words , why! Above all Protect Japan!

-6 ( +3 / -9 )

OssanAmerica

It was. Because China invited him. They invited alot of people but only despots, nobody's and people North Korea call a whore, are going.

So Japan, despots, nobody's, and North Korea whores share a common denominator-being all invitees.

Do you seriously think China wanted Abe to visit in the first place? There's about as much sincerity to that invitation as the AIIB invitation for Japan lol. Besides, if Abe was there, it'd be a little awkward for Xi's and his Russian counterpart to be chuckling about the recent Kuril Island thing in front of him, for one.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

You would not attend this unless you are so masochistic, or pandering to China. The latter may happen in the future if, a big if judging from the China-led stock market rout, China can keep growing its economy at above 7 percent rates.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

It seems that Abe has already decided he will not, but the US should attend the ceremony of victory of WW2 as China, US and some others are still winners.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

China is revising and rewriting history again. It was Chiang Kai-shek's Kuo Min Tang Army that fought against the Japanese troops in China. not the Communist Army (People's Liberation Army). China is going to celebrate a fake vicotry with a big parade. Pathetic.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Japan is the sore loser. They lost the war now they're pouting about it.

-9 ( +2 / -11 )

Quite right. Why go along to be humiliated? especially on the Nanjing leg of the planned itinerary.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Admittedly a bit difficult to go this time, however he still could have & simply not attended the STUPID parade being planned, that's such a farce, China is only going to look STUPID if the commies pretend they defeated Japan in WWII

abe staying put guarantee's things get more difficult wrt to China, not Japans fault, but they still get worse.....

Oh well.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Papi2013

Japan is the sore loser. They lost the war now they're pouting about it.

Do you want Japan to fight another war to even the score?

0 ( +4 / -4 )

I'd still like to think that the backlash from parliament has something to do with him not going. I would like to think that there is still a strong enough resistance to this idiot's idea deploying the SDF overseas.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

That's up to Japan, I don't really care. But what is clear, Japan just can't accept the terms of defeat because they think they were the victims.

Do you want Japan to fight another war to even the score?

-7 ( +1 / -8 )

I can't blame him... bit like an American going to Syria and waving the US flag... eaten alive!

3 ( +3 / -0 )

"Eh...umm...next week you say?...eh...emm...I think...eh...I'm washing my hair next week...sorry!!"

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Abe should send his wife.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

why would Abe attend an anti-Japan commemoration? China keeps doing its own propaganda, and no effort to go further in keeping peace. Bashing Japan over its surrender to the USA -and not China- isnt going to improve the situation. No country in Europe celebrates victory over Nazi Germany with anti-German military parades. Chinese government is narrow minded, populist. Abe shouldnt be there for sure.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Kabukilover,

Abe should send his wife.

PERFECT!

SEND AKIE!

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Thanks, Bertie ! Maybe she could visit Nanjing while she's at it.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

ThePBotAug. 25, 2015 - 11:19AM JST OssanAmerica "It was. Because China invited him. They invited alot of people but only despots, nobody's and people North Korea call a whore, are going."

So Japan, despots, nobody's, and North Korea whores share a common denominator-being all invitees.

I said "going: not :invited:. Try reading before replying,

Do you seriously think China wanted Abe to visit in the first place? There's about as much sincerity to that invitation as >the AIIB invitation for Japan lol.

If you are saying that anything China says is insincere, yes I agree with you.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

@ Papi2013

Japan just can't accept the terms of defeat because they think they were the victims.

That's really a gross misrepresentation of the point of view in Japan that you are talking about.

I was unaware that there was an official national consensus about the issue.

Many historians, not just Japanese, recognize that Japan as being victimized and was forced to response. One might criticize how it responded, but that's another issue.

It seems some parties are seeking to create an illusion that it was not forced and victimized at all, which would be false and incorrect.

Again, one can argue to what degree Japan was forced and victimized versus to what degree some elements within Japan were merely opportunistic but the elements of force, coersion and threats making up groundless victimization are all there in the historical record.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

President Park Geun-Hye will at least be able to rub shoulders with former Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Tomiichi Murayama...

Tony Blair to attend China's second world war Victory Day events – report

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/aug/25/tony-blair-to-attend-chinas-second-world-war-victory-day-events-report

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe would not have been in the company of friends. attending would have been inappropriate and undignified, as elements would have gone about embarrassing the office of Japans PM and in so doing belittled the people of Japan.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

kabukilover,

Thanks, Bertie ! Maybe she could visit Nanjing while she's at it.

Gosh, what a good idea!

She could take some copies of some of the photos in Yasukuni or some memorabilia as a present.

I'll give Shinzo a ring and suggest it to him.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Abe must be sulking as a summit with Xi has become a pipe dream. Is the “No” reply really painful? The next target date is APEC meeting in November, maybe the next time would be an “OK” reply. Keep on trying Abe. But Abe may have to put the politics aside and get as far away as possible from Yasukuni Shrine.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Abe must be sulking as a summit with Xi has become a pipe dream.

How did you come up with this conclusion? This Xi's master plan of “Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War” and it's parade is a failure for just look at the list of nation's head whose attending? I'm sure that their controlled media will hype it enough to satisfy their brainwashed masses but to the rest of the world, this is an embarassment on a mass scale.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

nigelboy, a summit with Xi has been in the work for quite some time and Abe was using this event as an excuse to get another handshake picture with Xi, but he made the wrong calculation when he let his wife and cohorts visiting the Shrine. Believe me China did not expect Japan to attend at all; the invite is just a form of courtesy. You mentioned about the list of nations who are attending, I think that is quite impressive, more than 30 nations heads will be attending. Think about this, the well-to-do nations are only a few and their powers are decaying, but China has solidified its position from the ground up. So, don’t look down on the nation that moved itself up from basically nothing to become the world’s second largest economy in very short period of time, unprecedented in the history of mankind. For sure the rest of the world is looking up to China. I simply don’t understand why some people like you would use the list as a measurement of success. Somehow it makes me think of the list of AIIB members.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Good job Abe. The chinese are going out of their way to humiliate Japan and it's not fair. They have a lot of nerve.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

OssanAmerica

You're right, it's a big loss for China that Abe isn't going. Xi was really looking forward to meet Abe. The whole event won't be as meaningful now that Abe decided not to bless them with his presence!

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

nigelboy, a summit with Xi has been in the work for quite some time and Abe was using this event as an excuse to get another handshake picture with Xi, but he made the wrong calculation when he let his wife and cohorts visiting the Shrine.

Another moving goal posts. But then again, call it "within expectation" in regards to China.

. Believe me China did not expect Japan to attend at all; the invite is just a form of courtesy.

And so was the entertaining the idea and the subsequent rejection by Abe, a form of courtesy.

You mentioned about the list of nations who are attending, I think that is quite impressive, more than 30 nations heads will be attending.

Impressive list. Putin and the leaders from Africa and Central/South America.

I simply don’t understand why some people like you would use the list as a measurement of success. Somehow it makes me think of the list of AIIB members.

Wait? Aren't you doing the same thing by stating that the list of the heads who are attending is "quite impressive"? AIIB? You serious? Is lendling going to be Yuan denominated? If it's USD denominated, it's laughable that U.S. who has the sole power to issue this isn't in the mix. Your country is a debtor to ADB (165 billion USD, high credit rating) and a net receipient of of ODA from Japan.

http://www.adb.org/site/investors/credit-fundamentals/asset-quality

http://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/oda/data/pdfs/china.pdf

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

ThePBotAug. 26, 2015 - 02:55AM JST OssanAmerica You're right, it's a big loss for China that Abe isn't going. Xi was really looking forward to meet Abe.

I never said it was a big loss for anybody. Do you usually talk to yourself?

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Abe has refused to admit the Nanking massacre ever occurred. Shame on him.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Who is really impressed by these shows of military power these days?

I read in that article, the British ex-Prime Minister who led his nation into a false war in the Gulf has been charging $500,000 per lecture.

No wonder why he's there then and so much for Left wing politics.

In the same paper, the new leader to be of the Labour Party says he will apologize for the gulf war. It was wrong.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

nigelboy,

“Another moving goal posts. But then again, call it "within expectation" in regards to China.”

Nice try, nigelboy. Come up with all sorts of excuses to fit your own theory, shame, shame, …

“And so was the entertaining the idea and the subsequent rejection by Abe, a form of courtesy.”

When there is no expectation, the rejection is meaningless. At least China showed some courtesy not some poor excuses instructed by the master.

“Impressive list. Putin and the leaders from Africa and Central/South America.”

At least China has the support from Putin, two great players in the world stage. By the way, don’t look down on Africa, with the help from China, it will be beating the drum of winner in the near future. What is great about China is it treats every nation as equal whether poor or weak and no string attached.

“Wait? Aren't you doing the same thing by stating that the list of the heads who are attending is "quite impressive"? AIIB? You serious? Is lendling going to be Yuan denominated? If it's USD denominated, it's laughable that U.S. who has the sole power to issue this isn't in the mix. Your country is a debtor to ADB (165 billion USD, high credit rating) and a net receipient of of ODA from Japan.”

Playing a word game, eh. “Quite impressive” is greater than “embarrassment” don’t you think? AIIB is established to help those countries in needs, why did you bring up the USD or debt to ADB? Why do you have to compare this to that? Is it because of inferiority complex or superiority complex? Let me tell you this in Asia there are three major economies and one of them is trying to go against the other two. Japan’s economy has been in the doldrums when it shouldn’t have been if only it was a little more far sighted. It has the government that only cares about playing politics while putting it before the interest of the whole nation. Abe’s words are full of contradictories, saying peace while boosting sale of arms, increasing military budgets, and changing the constitution so that Japan can be one of those which committed to wars. Abe should have gone to China and showed his sincerity, made it so that China and Korea would have no more excuses to slam Japan. Instead, Abe is playing politics and ignores the well-being of the nation. His economic goals have not been met but who cares, right?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Nice try, nigelboy. Come up with all sorts of excuses to fit your own theory, shame, shame, …

Just an obvious trend. The absurdity still continues.

When there is no expectation, the rejection is meaningless. At least China showed some courtesy not some poor excuses instructed by the master.

He's on his own. Hey. At least you have Murayama attending!!!

Playing a word game, eh. “Quite impressive” is greater than “embarrassment” don’t you think? AIIB is established to help those countries in needs, why did you bring up the USD or debt to ADB? Why do you have to compare this to that? Is it because of inferiority complex or superiority complex?

For some unknown reason, you brought up AIIB. I simply pointed out the ridiculous nature of a debtor trying to position herself as a willing creditor to allegedly help "those countries in needs". It's comical.

Abe’s words are full of contradictories, saying peace while boosting sale of arms, increasing military budgets, and changing the constitution so that Japan can be one of those which committed to wars. Abe should have gone to China and showed his sincerity, made it so that China and Korea would have no more excuses to slam Japan

Move on flowers. The general population of Jaan don't care what China thinks with their evolving 'sincerity' rhetoric. If you haven't noticed, the rest of the world really doesn't care about the plight of China and Korea. So go on and enjoy the festivities with your new servant in Pak. You guys deserve each other.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

nigelboy,

"Just an obvious trend. The absurdity still continues."

if it's a trend why go against it? Absurdity only lies in the deep naivety.

"He's on his own. Hey. At least you have Murayama attending!!!"

That's strange. Are they in a different pack?

"For some unknown reason, you brought up AIIB. I simply pointed out the ridiculous nature of a debtor trying to position herself as a willing creditor to allegedly help "those countries in needs". It's comical."

if China is a debtor nation, the whole world would be in deep trouble. As they said when China sneezes the rest of the world will catch a cold. I've never heard Japan has such an impact on the world. Let me ask you this besides cars what other products can Japan compete? Korean cars are getting a lot better and Chinese cars are on the way to north America. So, the rest of the world do care about China and Korea especially on comfort women. And, China has no servant unlike the US, China only has friends not allies. Can servant Japan talk back to the US master? I heard Japan will offer billions to the PH, no wonder the PH is howling on the side. Pretty cunning, but again Abe is indeed a true politician.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

For those commentators who think that mainland China does not have accreditation to celebrate 70th WWII commemoration, you are wrong. WWII victory was not any government's victory , it was people's victory, it was all Chinese people's victory. It was all Chinese people who have suffered during WWII created by japanese government and army at that time. Who represents majority of Chinese today? The current Chinese government in mainland represents majority Chinese. Therefore, Chinese government in mainland China should represent China to celebrate WWII victory. Taiwan should celebrate as well but unfortunately a lot of Taiwanese do not think that they are Chinese anymore. China has said time by time that the commemoration is not (against) towards current japan but something to do with old militarized japan in WWII. It is interesting to see that the current japan is still afraid of mentioning WWII or victor's celebration/commemoration of that war? What are you scared of? You must have done something terribly wrong and feel shame when other people mention it?

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

if it's a trend why go against it? Absurdity only lies in the deep naivety.

Going against it? No. It's simply ignored.

That's strange. Are they in a different pack?

Murayama is a different breed. Japanese people remember his lack of leadership and incompetence during the Hanshin earthquake.

if China is a debtor nation, the whole world would be in deep trouble. As they said when China sneezes the rest of the world will catch a cold. I've never heard Japan has such an impact on the world. Let me ask you this besides cars what other products can Japan compete? Korean cars are getting a lot better and Chinese cars are on the way to north America. So, the rest of the world do care about China and Korea especially on comfort women.

Still can't distinguish between a developed nation versus a developing nation. The rest of world doesn't play this over leveraged history card. It's just the two.

And, China has no servant unlike the US, China only has friends not allies. Can servant Japan talk back to the US master? I heard Japan will offer billions to the PH, no wonder the PH is howling on the side. Pretty cunning, but again Abe is indeed a true politician.

What makes you so sure that the Japanese government isn't behind Western leaders boycott of this upcoming charade?

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War

I was wondering why it took sooooo long for Abe to make up his mind of not getting involved with this. .

This is like an odd situation you are invited to your exwife's wedding. You just do not go.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

@davidake

For those commentators who think that mainland China does not have accreditation to celebrate 70th WWII commemoration, you are wrong. WWII victory was not any government's victory , it was people's victory, it was all Chinese people's victory. It

Do you know that in one of his famous long lectures, Mao actually criticized Japanese military strategy for committed a strategical error ... by not annihilating enemy soldiers in Nanking.

Now, do you want to start discussing why the world view the China a dangerously crazy schozophrenic. Not quite as crazy as North Korea, but probably more inconsistent and contradictory.

You do know who Mao it, right?

That's the guy with the billboard size portrait on Tiananmen Square past which all this biligerent aggression is going to march.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

“Ignored,” wouldn’t that make you fall behind?

Not quite sure what you're getting at.

Wow, unbelievable, you even attacked your own people.

They're not 'my' people.

Looking down on developing nation is the trait that prevails in the undeveloped minds of the Japanese people. History is there to remember not ignore. Here is a history lesson: China and Korea suffered the most in Asia during the War.

Korea was a participant. Get your history straight.

You can create any fantasy world as you want. It may help sooth your psyche.

Let's review the impressive list of heads of state who are attending, shall we?

Uzbekistan, Egypt, Kazakhstan, Cambodia, Kyrgyzstan, Congo, Sudan, Serbia, Tajikistan, Czech Republic, Pakistan, Venenzuela, Belarus,Bosnia and Herzegovina, Myanmar, Mongolia, Russia, South Africa, East Timor, and last but not the least, South Korea.

Impressive list to celebrate the 70th anniversary of " “Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War”. NOT

0 ( +2 / -2 )

flowersAug. 27, 2015 - 01:18AM JST Here is a history lesson: China and Korea suffered the most in Asia during the War.

This this a former president of South Korea. He was an officer in the Imperial Japanese Army serving in China as pat of the Kwantung Army. It doesn't take a rockert scientist to figure out that he killed Chinese. Some 240,000 Koreans served in the Imperial Japanese armed forced during WWII, the vast majority volunteers. Mandatory recruitment on the Korean Penninsual did not start until 1944. This man's daughter is now the current President of South Korea. Can you undrstand how ridiculous your statement about Korea is? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Park_Chung-hee#/media/File:Park_Japan.JPG

0 ( +2 / -2 )

It's more than that. The Japanese Army was over-subscribed by Korean volunteers 100 times over. They were literally queuing to join. But I suppose that is Japan's fault too?

What discredits the current Chinese leaders is their utterly contradictory, paradoxical and fantastical constructions.

If the actual events in question were not so tragic (both Mao's and Shek's genocide of other Chinese) and the international friction so dangerous, they - the party - would be hysterical.

What concerns others, such as the USA, is the grip and scale of inflience they have on various foreign economies.

The USA, for example, only feels safe if it is pointing a very large gun at anyone who owns large parts of it currency and debt.

Funnily enough, Japan now owns more U.S. government debt than any other country, including China $1.2244 trillion worth of U.S. government securities compared to $1.2237 trillion for China.

Both together a very good reason to park a military in both Okinawa and South Korea.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

China's military parade is intended to serve as a warning to the USA, not Japan, not Russia. I doubt it is aimed at Japan because Japan's military is eclipsed by the size of China's military. Russia is a strategic ally of China against USA.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Korea n China want to divert the attention of their people from their history and many accident happen locally to Japan.. What the fake of putting Mao on the video to promote this event...

0 ( +1 / -1 )

According to what I read the Chinese Nationalists (Chang) were in the deep west and the People's Liberation Army were in the North (Mao). BOTH fighting against the Japanese.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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