Fukuda asked to boycott Olympic opening ceremony

Sunday 11th May, 04:32 PM JST

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15 Comments

OssanULTRA at 06:01 PM JST - 11th May

After the never ending Hu visit, I doubt very much Fukuda will boycott the opening ceremony. Besides, it all depends on what all the other leaders do.
timorborder at 06:43 PM JST - 11th May

Bad timing or what. When the issue of Tibet hit the front pages, Japan was quick with the reaction of saying that its PM would not boycott the Olympics. At that time, I said that Japan was painting itself into a corner by beating the US and other leading nations to the punch in showing support for the Chinese. At the same time, however, Japan was facing a state visit from Uncle Hu and company. If Fukuda had said that the Olympics were off his travel plans, then Hu would have cancelled his trip to Japan. Coming forward to the current comment by Hiranuma, I think this is just a little bit of XXX stirring by the right wing fringe of the LDP. After such as "successful" trip by Premier Hu to Japan, and considering Fukuda's own background as one of the leading China-friendly members of the the LDP, I don't think there is going to be much chance of him boycotting the Olympics. Then again, if the Tibet issue hits the headlines again in the next month or so (on a much bigger scale), then Japan might have to make some difficult decisions.
buddha4brains at 07:49 PM JST - 11th May

Mmmmm so would that mean that Japan is willing to own up to its wartime past? Didn't think so. Insulting one's neighbour in order to score political points is short-sighted at best.

China has many problems, not only Tibet, and standing back going tut-tut-tut is not going to help. Of course if the purpose is not to help in the first place, then such attitude is a precursor to more conflict. Some people on the radical right and left want conflict and are now pushing for it.
romulus3 at 08:40 PM JST - 11th May

what an idiot to make such a comment. obviously the LDP are not united on much and the black van gang finances a few jerks within them. well, I like Fukuda. lets hope that black van nazi propaganda falls short of the ears of the common senseless Japanese public.
Triple888 at 09:20 PM JST - 11th May

I doubt Fukuda will boycott the Olympics. If he does, the purpose of Hu visit (and his) will be binned. It's not surprising that Hiranuma would call for such a move as he's part of the rightwing "Koizumi bunch".
rjdsr at 02:37 AM JST - 12th May

Good to see someone has the courage to stand up to China. Fukuda showed zero backbone in the recent summit, which means he's out the door.
Terrikus at 05:19 AM JST - 12th May

Showing "backbone" doesn't mean being deliberately belligerent. Why flush everything that just happened down the drain? Japan is in no position to get pissy with China.
supporter at 09:44 AM JST - 12th May

Is the attendance of a Japanese Premier so important for the success of the Games? Even if Bush does not attend it makes no difference. Using the Olympics is the wrong strategy and childish. Boycott is not only a snub on China but also the International Olympics movement and the many Japanese athletes who are hoping the support of its leader. China will not be easily blackmailed under this circumstance. No surprise and it only shows the immaturity of the leader coming from the anti-Chinese camp in the LDP.
apecNetworks at 10:21 AM JST - 12th May

I think Japan did a great job hosting Pres. Hu, and gives them options. Actual attendance of the games would be ok, but not critical. Pres. Hu knows what was discussed, and Japan only need to concentrate the important points in the discussions. Promises are important at this point of relations. Japan did itself a great service treating Pres. Hu well, and has options on short term events. I believe things are going to "heat up" in the second half of this year, so both countries should be very flexible.
OssanULTRA at 10:38 AM JST - 12th May

"lets hope that black van nazi propaganda falls short of the ears of the common senseless Japanese public."

Ironically, the current Nationalist and Socialist Chinese are far closer to Nazis than the Japanese fascist black truck boys or even the neo-nazi groups in Germany today.
GW at 10:47 AM JST - 12th May

boycotts....... well, everyone for the most part will remain non-commital, once all the gaijins start flooding into China, particularly the foreign press we will see if #$%& happens, if it does look for more foreign heads of state to pass up on the Olympics & as ossan said Japan simply will not lead on this issue(or any for that matter), Fukuda will only consider a boycott if a LOT of western heads of state do so so Jpn can hide in the pack
reddragonguy at 04:13 PM JST - 12th May

About China's increasing military spending!

It was definately none of any countries including US to argue about! China has the right to use force to defend her own national security! Chinese shall never see japan is a pacifist state as western propaganda claiming. It was necessary to let the western world knows China has both nuclear and conventional weapons as vegeances if her interests was violated! No apologies, China is no Germany after WW1 that signed the treaty of versallies and China is no need to show gratitute to Japan because of her ODA, Japan inflicted serious casualties to Chinese, japan has no rights to complain whatsoever.
reddragonguy at 04:17 PM JST - 12th May

Good to see China's military spending increases...

The chotic history of the early decades of 20th century was japan too strong and China too weak in terms of military, it was necessary to let Japanese to know China wont tolerating another conflicts in asia! The old China was dead, the new China was born, we shall never compromise any challenges from whatever countries! Japan was jealous her greed of China's land she has no intentions to live peacefully with Chinese!
reddragonguy at 04:22 PM JST - 12th May

What does Tibet means to japan?

Cancelling China's ODA because China gun down Tibetans?
OssanULTRA at 11:44 PM JST - 12th May

redragonguy

Hu Jing Tao has made it clear that things are now lovey dovey. Have you no respect for the President or his words?