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Chinese media seize on Hatoyama's apology at Nanjing Massacre Memorial

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He is a man of integrity. Abe should follow his example and make peace with Asian neighbors rather than stir up hard feelings with South Korea, China. China offered their willingness to negotiate to resolve the island issue and Mr Abe should try to find a solution rather than show force. No one wins if a conflict erupts between Japan and China.

11 ( +20 / -9 )

AsianhometownJan. 19, 2013 - 07:15AM JST He is a man of integrity.

There is a perception in Japan of Hatoyama's wishy-washiness. Few years ago, when he was PM, He had major flip-flop on the U.S. base issue, and many of his own party members see him as a liability and urged him to step down. No wonder Hatoyama was sometimes viewed as aloof with odd behavior by the Japanese public, earning him the nickname "alien." If you talk about ethics in Hatoyama, the investigators found that Hatoyama had received 15 million yen ($170,000) a month from his mother to support his political activities and he said had no knowledge of the contributions until the prosecutors' investigation. You received that much money and had no knowledge? Right.

However, Japan cannot afford to forget the fundamental fact that history remains a sensitive subject for many Chinese people. The Chinese will continue to use media warfare, psychological warfare, and legal warfare toward Japan to achieve its objectives without military clashes. It is perhaps unavoidable that friction will increase in the short term.

2 ( +6 / -4 )

All politicians flip flop on important issues. Obama has flip flop so many times I cannot count them all. In my personal view point all politicians are corrupt. Do you think Mr Abe or any other politicians are free of corruptions and etc. Biden Vice President of the USA brother joined a consultant company last year. In less than 3 months his company was awarded multi billion dollar contract to build homes in Iraq for the US military. His brother made millioms in fees snd etc. How convienent. Mr Hatoyama had the courage to face reality even though he would receive critism back home.

0 ( +6 / -6 )

Look at this moron,first puppet ozawa and now trying to make diplomacy "à la Minshuto." I think he would be more useful to hand out leaflets dressed of cosplay .

-9 ( +6 / -15 )

AsianhometownJan. 19, 2013 - 07:58AM JST All politicians flip flop on important issues.

Especially Hatoyama, Last year, as a private citizen he also made trip to Iran despite pressure from the Japanese government not to do so. Why could he do? Nothing but create more division. I guess Israel and U.S. really liked that idea of Hatoyama, don't you think? Hatoyama really don't have much supporters in J-goverment.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

China will exploit Hatoyama's trip. Just like when Hatoyama visited Iran last year despite government pressure to call the trip off, Iran exploited the occasion. Hatoyama met with Iranian leader Ahmadinejad and and discuss Iran's nuclear development program. It's been reported that Hatoyama criticized the International Atomic Energy Agency for applying double standards toward certain countries, including Iran, saying such treatment was unfair. There is no doubt, however, that Hatoyama's visit to Tehran was exploited to justify Iran's nuclear development program.

1 ( +5 / -4 )

At times, the road to peace and development looks so dark, Hatoyama-sama is a light-seeker and he is carrying out a difficult task with courage and hope. I think the best way to heal war-time wounds is to build a mutually beneficial future together. Japan-Korea-China should build an AU, starts with a free trade zone.

4 ( +8 / -4 )

Enjoy Hatoyama's apologies China. This is the same guy who told us to "trust him" on the Futenma issue. As for "encircling China" well it's hardly just Japan, it's everybody in Asia other than North Korea and Cambodia.

3 ( +9 / -7 )

Hmmm I'm really looking at this guy now. I remember he used to wear the best ties. His English was excellent too.

This guy might have made my Christmas list. I respect what he did. Lets see what happens.

3 ( +9 / -6 )

First:

"The nationalist Global Times—which has painted new Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe’s current trip to south-east Asia as an attempt to “encircle China”—"

Obvious and just stupid paranoia stoking Chinese nationalist sentiment.

However:

"China says 300,000 civilians and soldiers died in a spree of killing, rape and destruction in the six weeks after the Japanese military entered its then capital on December 13, 1937. Some Japanese revisionists claim the number of deaths is far lower."

So Japan's stance is that lesser killing, rape and destruction is somehow not as bad.

Enough blame to go around.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Japanese fail to apologize: Chinese become incensed.

Japanese apologize: Chinese become incensed.

Anyone seeing a pattern?

-1 ( +8 / -9 )

I really don't understand some posters on here!

Are you saying that the Nanking massacre never happened? Are you saying that an ex-PM, now a private citizen doesn't have the right to say sorry for the unspeakable crimes of the Japanese Army?

Really, some people who post on here need to grow up.

The Sino - Chinese historical legacy can be best explained as 'the Chinese will never forgive the Japanese for the crimes they committed aginst the Chinese people during the 1937-45 war and the Japanese will never forgive the Chinese for the crimes they, the Japanese, committed against the Chinese people during the 1937-45 war'.

It doesn't mean that people should stop showing regret.

4 ( +12 / -8 )

I'm quite positive that China is reporting as though Hatoyama is "a former PM who still has influence in Japanese politics". LOL.

China use to summon Ozawa and his minions but since he's reduced to "insignificant", now all China can do is woo a DISGRACED RETIRED lawmaker who has absolutely no influence in the Japanese government.

I'm wondering if Loopy got this much coverage when he was elected as PM.

0 ( +9 / -9 )

For once I respect this man. I wish he would have done it when he was PM, although he didn't have a lot of time. This also sets the LDP and Abe in an interesting position. If Abe TRULY wants to make peace with China and recover what both nations have lost in the past year, he'll acknowledge Hatoyama's apology and say Japan stands behind it. In all likelihood, however, he'll say that Hatoyama is no longer a Diet member and that his views are personal and do not represent the government or people of Japan, thus making the situation worse.

Hatoyama has done a good thing, whatever his motivations, and clearly it's had a positive impact in China: “Hatoyama’s words and deeds these days show that in spite of the tough environment, forces which are friendly to China have not disappeared". They're not rioting and saying "I told you so", they are thankful for the apology and clearly willing to move forward.

But then you get guys like Suga who say "Hatoyama's views" are contradictory to the government stance, etc. Get the black trucks ready!

In the meantime, pat on the back to the former PM.

5 ( +12 / -7 )

“I apologize for the crimes that Japanese soldiers committed during wartime,” the Global Times quoted Hatoyama as saying.

“As a Japanese, I feel responsible for the tragedy and I am here expressing my sincere apology,”

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said this week that Hatoyama’s comments on the issue were “clearly contradicting our country’s stance”.

“The remarks made by (former) prime ministers of our country were extremely regrettable,” he said.

Jesus. Anyone else confused about whether Japan has sincerely apologised or not? Other than an entire country of Japanese? I dont know the truth of the matter but you can hardly blame other countries for getting more than a little peed off and doubtful of Japans sincerity when this nonsense happens.

1 ( +6 / -5 )

Jesus. Anyone else confused about whether Japan has sincerely apologised or not? Other than an entire country of Japanese? I dont know the truth of the matter but you can hardly blame other countries for getting more than a little peed off and doubtful of Japans sincerity when this nonsense happens.

Sigh. This is yet again another attempt by Western media to distort the comments.

What Suga was responding to was Hatoyama's comment that Senkaku was "under dispute" which is not the official position of Japan.

4 ( +9 / -5 )

ChibaChick.....And Chinese government-run Global Times said that "China shouldn't change its policy to Japan just because Hatoyama, a politician currently out of office, gave a few words of friendship." What this means is Hatoyama's effort doesn't mean much to China.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Hatoyama is a retired prime minister. He is nobody. He can speak anything. The freedom of speech is guaranteed in Japan. Chinese people may be envious of us on this point. I don't mind whatever he says in China. If Chinese people feel happy by his speech, it is OK!

6 ( +6 / -0 )

I think a little more effort could've been put into that apology, considering the Nanjing Massacre was by far the most horrifying crime against humanity ever committed.

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

Finally something to respect Hatoyama for. Shame he didn't do this when in office.

The only thing "regrettable" about this is that it's too little, too late. Pay attention Abe, this is what you show be doing!

2 ( +8 / -6 )

Nessie:

•Japanese fail to apologize: Chinese become incensed. •Japanese apologize: Chinese become incensed. Anyone seeing a pattern?

Good point ! . . ...............................................if we are going to talk about crimes , we should alos include the BOXER REBELLION, where thousands of Bristish, Americans and other nationals were slaughtered in China.

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

yes i agree

0 ( +0 / -0 )

It was China's interest to see the DPJ in power, as they are always generally liberal on this issue, but they pushed the party too hard and made them look too weak. The LDP in power is the result.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

LMAO! This loopy alien is really proving his insanity above and beyond. I don't think that he can even stomach a "harakiri" to clear alll that he has done, but that doesn't matter, he is already in the "T" list IMO. Time is clicking,..tik tak tik tak - kaboom!

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

sighclopsJan. 19, 2013 - 09:16AM JST I think a little more effort could've been put into that apology, considering the Nanjing Massacre was by far the most >horrifying crime against humanity ever committed.

No it's not. No one can even agree on a casualty figure.

-5 ( +5 / -10 )

What Suga was responding to was Hatoyama's comment that Senkaku was "under dispute" which is not the official position of Japan.

Exactly nigelboy ...... ChibaChick, please pay attention, you are getting schooled by the socialist media that constantly plays loose with the facts on this issue. Nobody takes Hatoyama seriously. This is a guy who is barely hanging onto sanity and who did more damage during his short tenure to the most important relationship Japan has than any other PM in the last twenty five years. When communist china speaks of "forces" friendly to their ideology they are well aware that a fart in the wind contains as much force as Hatoyama wields in Japan. Course that won't stop them from milking this clown's visit for all they can, propaganda is after what they do best.

As for Hatoyama's "apology". Its useless. Even all the apology deniers on this site must acknowledge that (although I see from the comments above that they don't) since their stance has always been that only an official apology, delivered by the PM, on his knees the floor of the Diet is acceptable.

Love this quote from one of their (many) communist mouthpiece newspapers “Besides never giving way to Japan in both the waters and airspace of the Diaoyu Islands, we can find more ways to deal with Japan.” The level of delusion evident here would be funny if it wasn't so sad.

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

Puppets....all puppets

0 ( +1 / -1 )

semperfiJan. 19, 2013 - 09:22AM JST Nessie: •Japanese fail to apologize: Chinese become incensed. •Japanese apologize: Chinese become incensed. Anyone >seeing a pattern? Good point ! . . ...............................................if we are going to talk about crimes , we should alos include the BOXER >REBELLION, where thousands of Bristish, Americans and other nationals were slaughtered in China.

Why go back that far? How about the Korean War where Chinese troops killed UN troops from the US, UK, Australia, Canada, France,Turkey, Greece, South Africa, New Zealand, Norway, Luxemborg,Belgium, Phillipines, Netherlands, Ethiopia, Thailand, Columbia and South Korea? I don't anyone has heard any apologies.

.

-5 ( +4 / -9 )

OssanAmericaJan. 19, 2013 - 10:28AM JST

Why go back that far? How about the Korean War where Chinese troops killed UN troops

'Shoot yourself in the foot' time. When did troops killing troops in a a battle become a war crime?

8 ( +13 / -5 )

@asianhometown

Obama has flip flop so many times I cannot count them all.

By all means do list 3 or 4 for us.

@chibachick

Jesus. Anyone else confused about whether Japan has sincerely apologised or not? Other than an entire country of Japanese?

No, but your confusion probably arises from taking the governments comments about Hatoyama not representing the governments stance to be related to the apology, and not to the disputed islands as intended. In effect, you have created the confusion you accuse the government of.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

I am grateful to former PM Hatoyama for reaching out to the Chinese people and expressing feelings of empathy and remorse. I see this as a positive move toward achieving peace and healthy ties with China, showing that there may be potential for Japan to act with maturity and reason on the world stage

Officially Japan’s position is that there is no dispute over the territory, and in Tokyo, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said this week that Hatoyama’s comments on the issue were “clearly contradicting our country’s stance”.

The remarks made by (former) prime ministers of our country were extremely regrettable,” he said.

This article made no mention of Hatoyama's or other former PM's remarks on "the issue" of disputed territory, though -- only his words of apology and remorse for Japan's wartime behavior.

What exactly were the remarks on the disputed territory that Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga deems "extremely regrettable?"

3 ( +7 / -4 )

"his left-leaning Democratic Party of Japan ended half a century of almost unbroken rule by the conservative Liberal Democratic Party"

Come on JT. His party may be to the left of the ultra conservative LDP but the DP is hardly "left-leaning". Hatoyama may have some liberal views on certain issues but his party ostracised him for it, as well as for being wishy-washy.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

DogJAN. 19, 2013 - 08:59AM JST

"Are you saying that the Nanking massacre never happened? Are you saying that an ex-PM, now a private citizen doesn't have the right to say sorry for the unspeakable crimes of the Japanese Army?"

NO ONE here, on this post, ever said that Nanjing massacre NEVER happened. you are imagine things here. Mr. Hatoyama has EVERY RIGHTS to apologize toward the Chinese all he wants; however, keep it in mind that he is only a PRIVATE CITIZEN, and thus needs to act as one. Does it mean if every single JAPANESE CITIZEN in this world offer apology toward China and visit Nanjing massacre hall, they'll all get to several new headlines?

As in governmental levels, the Japanese government has already apologized a few times before, it's all up to the Chinese how they comprehend that.

And lastly, no one is condemning about his apology statement, but his foolishness to gain popularity.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

nigelboy: You gotta love it when people like Suga and a lot of posters on here say 'there is no island dispute' and 'no reason to go to the ICJ as a result but turn around and insist that SK must go to the ICJ despite them saying 'there is no island dispute' over Dokdo. So which is it? Or are we going to resort to the usual, "It's different" (when Japan is on the receiving end)?

hidingout: "Exactly nigelboy ...... ChibaChick, please pay attention, you are getting schooled by the socialist media that constantly plays loose with the facts on this issue..."

Yes yes... socialists, communists, we know, we know. Everyone who doesn't agree with you is a Red Menace.

"As for Hatoyama's "apology". Its useless."

The only reason it might be considered 'useless', as you say, is because the Diet won't recognize it as an apology, not vice-versa. In fact, if you bothered to read the article you'd see that already it has had a positive effect in China and could help to smooth relations -- until the moron right-wingers claim it never happened and Abe tries to rescind it.

5 ( +11 / -6 )

His remarks were "regrettable," eh? This is in reference to his acknowledgement that there is a dispute between Japan and China over the Senkaku rocks. Is the Japanese govt's position there is no dispute?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

China says 300,000 civilians and soldiers died...Some Japanese revisionists claim the number of deaths is far lower.

Yes, but to put it like this is misleading. A lot of respectable historians in both Japan, the United States and Europe question the Chinese government's figures. In any case, still one massive war crime of course.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

He is pro Chinese

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

Oh there's no love lost for Hatoyama here.

Seems most of you would like to go back and erase Hatoyama from the history books.

FACT: He was Prime Minister of Japan. Nothing all the whining and sudden hating can do to change that. Call him what you want but he is who he is.

If George Bush came over to Japan and apologized for Hiroshima and Nagasaki you'd be sucking it up. You'd write it in your books as an admission of guilt. You'd take that and run with it. My advice is avoid the hypocrisy.

If Barack Obama came over here and apologized for the actions of Marines based in Okinawa you'd accept that too.

This is one for the record books. I know the propaganda engine is now in full swing. You will discredit him, you will go into Hatoyama's past, you'll seek to disqualify his remarks. You might even go so far as to say he was not officially a Japanese Prime Minister. It won't work.

If anything, his actions seek to heal old wounds. Furthermore, his actions could save lives and business interests.

Now, lets be frank, even though you name might be Daisuke. Japan allowed freedom of speech with the Mayor of Nagoya and Ishihara. Nobody told them don't say that. Many posters said, those men are allowed to speak their mind. Well, here is Mr. Hatoyama, doing the exact same practice but opposite to your beliefs. The only difference is he's a man of higher standing and a higher office than those who sought to fan the flames aggression.

I believe Mr. Hatoyama to be sincere. I believe he's a bigger man than I ever knew. He totally understands this decision and the backlash he would receive here in Japan. That's backbone.

General Patton once said: "If everybody is thinking alike then no one is thinking at all". Well, Mr. Hatoyama is obviously thinking and put a lot of thought into his decision.

Personally, I think he's loves Japan more than most of you do. He put himself in harm's way. Such a public figure could be targeted by Chinese Extremists. He went behind enemy lines if you'd like to see it that way. All men of peace have faced the backlash. They stand true to their beliefs.

Even PM Koizumi, although I disagreed with his actions, namely Yasukuni Shrine, he stood true to his beliefs. As long as you agreed with it, he was a good man. I believe he's a good man, even if I disagree with him. This is what I believe and I stay true to it.

PM Hatoyama, and you better call him former PM, is doing the same. Do not deny history, accept and seek to heal and mend ties. If you stand to profit from business ties with China, then you owe him.

If Mr. Hatoyama continues on this road to a positive relationship with China he may be in line for a Nobel Peace prize.

Personally, excuse my French, but I think it's pretty F'ed of some posters to grant one man his Freedom of Speech and the credit of his office and not recognize a PM.

Former Presidents and former Prime Ministers are men of their words. They held the highest office in the land and as such, for the rest of their natural lives should be respected for it.

I say: "Good on you, Hatoyama". You provide light in what I thought was a completely dark place. Such actions restore my faith in individuals here in Japan. Hatoyama's actions reminds me that not all the Japanese I come in contact with are intent on bloodshed and the continued cycle of hatred.

What most of you fear is that he may have inspired people. You fear that other individuals will realize that they too have a voice. What you fear is that one individual will bring "pause" to Chinese and war could be averted. In order for war to start a majority of the society must believe that their neighbors are all alike in their feeling of hatred in bloodlust. Any pause in that momentum allows the voice of humanity and peace to be heard.

You cannot attack your enemy when you realize that there are those who voices who have been silenced by the fear of public backlash. Therefore who could do this? Who could stand up and be the voice of reason and give pause to an escalating conflict of interest? Only a leader can do this. In this case, a Prime Minister.

My hats off to you, Mr. Hatoyama

7 ( +11 / -4 )

A retired Japanese Prime Minister is certainly not a nobody, and as a private citizen he is free to say what he thinks is right and appropriate. His words certainly carry more weight to the Chinese than any posters here.

But I get real tired of China and Korea beating the same ol' drum of anti-Japanese sentiment. Have the Chinese Communist party ever apologised to the people of China for the millions of their own people they killed during the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution? 45 million in the space of 3 years in the late 50's. How many in total I wonder?

Not to mention the contribution trade with Japan has made in building their country from the mess of those mad years.

It's a very selective and filtered way to judge yourself and others.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

Ishiwara: "A lot of respectable historians in both Japan, the United States and Europe question the Chinese government's figures. In any case, still one massive war crime of course."

True, and a lot of people question the nationalists who white-wash the history books here as well -- Abe being one of them.

The bottom line is that Hatoyama has taken it upon himself to do what Abe promised and is instead doing the opposite of: improve relations with China and other neighbours. In fact, he's going beyond that -- he's trying to make amends. As for the island dispute, there is absolutely no doubt there is a dispute, even if one side won't acknowledge it, same as with Dokdo and with the Kuriles. Suga can't say "It's vewy regwettable" and that there's no dispute, that Japan administers the islands and therefore they belong to Japan, and then turn and say there IS a dispute and SK should go to the ICJ despite them administering and living on the islands and the fact that they say there is no dispute, and again, same with the Kuriles.

Here's hoping more people like Hatoyama step forward and true inroads towards peace and good relationships are made instead of all the bombast and threats of war, intrusions, etc. China has said it is willing to talk on the island issue, and that both countries must meet halfway, but so far all the Abe government has done is say they will not budge. So while both nations are being childish, Japan is definitely the baby in this case.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

Suga can't say "It's vewy regwettable"

Talk about losing the little credibility you had ....

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

It's nice to see a high-ranker admit Japanese war crimes but the report states he's only the third former PM to visit the memorial. It would be nicer to see a sitting PM, or even some loudmouth like Ishihara swallow that pill.

And it remains to be seen what Hatoyama will do next. Usually after apologizing overseas, Japanese politicians scurry straight from the airport back to Yasukuni to placate the nationalists at home. I hope he's man enough not to fall into that trap.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

I'd say both sides are acting childish. But China trying to strongarm everyone into agreeing with them is the saddest thing. Perhaps Japan could offer to give them the islands in exchange for a signed agreement not grabbing the ocean for hundreds of miles around it, or splitting the resources 3 ways between the countries claiming them, or something. You KNOW no one really wants them, they just want the leverage and the resources that the location brings with it. Why won't they admit it?

However, bottom line, China can NOT grab those islands as a pretext for locking down international waters. The fact that that's exactly what they want (and all the profits) is reason enough to oppose them full force.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Getting bogged down in arguments about numbers in someway misses the point. Figures vary from it didn't happen to 300,000 (the figure Iris Chang uses).

Jonathon Spence, one of the most reputable scholars on China puts the figure vastly lower. http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/world/china-marks-nanjing-massacre-amid-tensions/story-e6frfkui-1226536439570

The Chinese govt. have very intentionally politicised the new Nanjing memorial. Nationalism and victimhoood of the Chinese state replacing domestic class conflict as the prevailing national paradigm. The old museum was much less nationalistic, and for me much more heart wrenching. The figure of 300,000, emblazoned in very large lettering out the front of the museum is an attempt to write history.

What occurred in Nanjing, must be remembered, alongside atrocities such as Sandakan. Dispute of the number 300,000 is not only the province of extremists.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

Hatoyama san much more gentleman the the hawk abe. i wish he can be prime minister again for japan.

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

guuzendesu: "I'd say both sides are acting childish. But China trying to strongarm everyone into agreeing with them is the saddest thing."

You've got it the wrong way around, my friend. China, as I pointed out and as you can find on JT in different articles, has expressed a desire to come to the table and talk about the islands, as well as saying Japan and China must meet halfway. What has Japan done? (ie. the government) They have said they are unwilling to budge on the island issue, and in fact the official opinion is that 'no dispute exists'. They have expressed a desire to rescind apologies for past atrocities. They are sucking up to the US and trying to get involved with other Asian nations to 'surround' China. They are visiting shrines that they know will enrage their neighbours.

Japan may not be -- and in fact can't -- strong-arm China directly, but they're trying to do it by sucking up to others.

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

"Some Japanese revisionists claim the number of deaths is far lower. "

Come, come, now! MANY Japanese revisionists claim the Japanese did nothing wrong at all, and this is merely a plot by the sneaky Chinese to cause Japan to be disrespected, despite the fact that actual film footage of the rapes and murders of thousands of Chinese actually exists. Hatoyama partly deserves our respect, but would have earned much more of it if he'd made such a statement when he was actually PM.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

Imagine if a former communist chinese lawmaker had done something similar ... like say gone to pray at a Buddhist altar in Tibet for the souls of the innocents slaughtered in a brutal communist land grab. Upon his return to china he undoubtedly would have his passport confiscated and he and probably most of his immediate family would disappear forever into the labyrinth of secret jails the communists operate for those who embarrass their country. Wonder what kind of reception this clown will get when he arrives back in Japan.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Don't read too much into this. He is part of the elite who allowed and approved of this. This is to appease vertain elements on both sides and distract the plebs from the real problems in their countries. He will not be branded a traitor, sent bullets and be threatened over this. It is all part of the game.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Fine for him to suggest acknowledging the dispute, if he was talking to Japanese people. Pretty stupid to do it in China, however. Now he is going to have to say again "they misquoted me" just like he did when he went to Iran. This time about the islands belonging to China. Maybe he is betting that Japan will become a vassal state of China and he will be appointed prime minister 2-ji-kai.

Personally I don't think Japan is obliged to or "ought to" consider a compromise, but if just out of their typical selfless nature they kindly offered to share, say because the island was only used as a fish processing plant for a short time and because China was late developing, I would be both admiring and supportive. And since the offer would be refused anyway ...

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Mr. Birdbrain up to his usual antics, I see.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

hidingout: "Imagine if a former communist chinese lawmaker had done something similar ... like say gone to pray at a Buddhist altar in Tibet for the souls of the innocents slaughtered in a brutal communist land grab."

What does this have to do with Tibet?

"Upon his return to china he undoubtedly would have his passport confiscated and he and probably most of his immediate family would disappear forever into the labyrinth of secret jails the communists operate for those who embarrass their country. Wonder what kind of reception this clown will get when he arrives back in Japan."

So you're against China, but make this analogy as though Hatoyama is deserving of a similar fate, calling him a clown and suggesting he should be punished upon return. Look up 'hypocrisy' in the dictionary.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Actually smith, the official position that Korea takes on Takeshima that "there is no dispute" is fine and hence the reason why Japan is urging to settle this matter via ICJ. What China is doing is completely different in that they are continuously encroaching in the territory to heighten the tension. Don't know why you can't see the difference.

As to those who are applauding Hatoyama, this is a guy who has absolutely no clout in Japan and has basically list all credibility among the people of Japan. Imagine an individual like that getting an invitation from China with VIP treatment along with his wife. I wouldn't be surprised that this visit to Nanking Memiorial was arranged by the Chinese government as a condition. In essence, Loopy is just a hired help during this visit. And people think he's sincere...sigh.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

@ OssanAmerica

Sorry, I didn't word that very well. I meant in terms of ferociousness and monstrosity (as opposed to numbers).

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Gee what a shocker a DPJ member kissing up to his sponsors, next Yukio Hatoyama will take his show on a tour of the PRC don a clown suit and start dancing to the music his masters play.

Again good riddance and hope he never returns.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

One cannot apologize for someone else in a very meaningful way, but it can be good to express condolences. Hatoyama is respectable for showing that kindness despite social difficulties. One of the social difficulties is that China will use this to stir up nationalist sentiments at some level, which are all about... China. The good deed is done. Now back to Japan.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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