Japan and China need each other: Abe

Japan and China, we need each other.

He is right.

At the same time China’s Communist authorities stoke a narrative of historical victimhood to appeal to nationalist sentiment and bolster their claim to a right to rule.

The meeting on Monday appeared strained, with footage of the two leaders’ initial handshake showing them looking deadpan and Xi not responding to Abe’s greetings.

Xi obviously went out of his way to give Abe an icy reception, and his hostile body language is clearly something he had put some thought into well beforehand.

In the first photo on the bottom left-hand side, Xi stands still, waiting for Abe to come to him. This is all so overly dramatic on Xi's part, and it definitely made China look bad on the world stage. I'm no fan of Abe, but at least in this instance he is making an effort at taking a conciliatory approach, despite the stone-cold response he received.

The article should say, Japan and China's politicians need each other for their neo-nationalist rhetoric to defect the public's attention in each country away from local and national problems, especially growing inequality, and towards an old adversary. If these deceptive talking heads did not manufacture tensions for their own political capital, there are few reasons why the peoples of these two nations cannot get along given their deep economic, social and cultural ties.

Do Chinese people Abe or the Japanese people? Politiicians and the general public are not the same. Politicians on both sides do not necesarrily represent the public in that sense. Most of the Japanese people do not hate Chinese and the business people as well. In the same manner, if they are not instigated by their government, the majority of Chinese people do not have strong reason to hate Japan, I think. Politicians are creating and utilizing crises and hatred. What a nuisance for people of both countries!

Abe and Yasukuni focus good for Japan? For some, Yasukuni issue might be more of a exaggerated politics from China, but the reality is, it continues to open the wounds from WWII. For Japan, China is a major trade partner and you cannot ignore that. Continue bad relations will eventually affects all sprectrum of the bilateral trade and some will look for alternative suppliers. Politician like Abe should not boast before having some accomplishments to show, which he has none. Japan's relationship with its neighbor, has at best been superficial. No deep, long term friendship established. Most Asian nations view Japan as a stranger. He is talking "Japan is back". Back from what and to where?

Correction: Do Chinese people hate Abe or the Japanese people?

"during the 30 minutes of talks, the leaders mentioned neither the islands nor the Yasukuni shrine"

And that's why the talks went on for as long as 30 minutes.

But two Japanese officials told AFP that during the 30 minutes of talks,

Hardly a "summit", but I guess it is at least a start. Although I think there is a lot of truth in warispeace's comment. The rubber will meet the road this fall if Abe calls a snap election. Let's see how high he dials-up the anti-China rhetoric, and whether he chooses to visit Yasukuni again to make sure he gets out the right-wing voters.

One small breakthrough appeared to take place Monday night, according to Abe: the Japanese leader said he happened to be seated next to Park at the APEC opening dinner due to the alphabetical seating by country, and so “very naturally, we began a conversation”.

Wait a sec, Abe wants us to think that a breakthrough, though small as stated, appeared because as he puts it, he and Park were seated next to one another, so "very naturally, we began a conversation”?

Abe: Pardon me, would you kindly pass the Grey Poupon mustard? Park: but of course!

Maybe this works on the Japanese at large but this is called basic etiquette in the rest of the world. If this is all he has to boast about with his conversation with President Park we should all be worried about the state of Japanese diplomacy and more importantly, the quality and competency of Japanese political leaders.

I expected better from Abe who was brought up in an affluent family growing up with everything at his disposal as well as having studied public policy at the University of Southern California's School of Public Policy. He was definitely a-fish-out-of-water in all the various video footage available looking like a pre-schooler trying to find some friends. I actually felt embarrassed by his awkward behavior and I'm not even Japanese.

What warispeace said.

Mr. Perfect, Japan is under pressure from US to improve the tie with SK.

Japan and China “need each other”, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said

Well if that's what he believes, maybe he could stop stirring things up by doing things like going to Yasukuni. I don't care about the debate of whether or not they should be able to go to it and that not all of the people there are war criminals. If he is legitimately serious about improving ties, he can quit going as a gesture of his dedication to the cause.

But two Japanese officials told AFP that during the 30 minutes of talks, the leaders mentioned neither the islands nor the Yasukuni shrine, a spot reviled by Japan’s neighbors as a symbol of the country’s militarist past.

So I thought the purpose of the meeting was to discuss these two issues, perhaps the Chinese side are good at talking smack but when it comes to face time they lack the cajones to speak.

Looking at the top photo it also seems from the hand shake Abe has the upper hand.

Maybe this works on the Japanese at large but this is called basic etiquette in the rest of the world. If this is all he has to boast about with his conversation with President Park we should all be worried about the state of Japanese diplomacy and more importantly, the quality and competency of Japanese political leaders.

Well if you've been following, Pak hasn't been that cordial. Perhaps Abe's meeting with Xi got to her for her country stands alone asthe only country(perhaps, another if you count one up north) that has not officially had a summit. Perhaps she grew up? Naaaah!!

tinawatanabe Nov. 12, 2014 - 08:41AM JST

Mr. Perfect, Japan is under pressure from US to improve the tie with SK.

I make no mention for the need to improve ties between Japan ans South Korea and was purely commenting on the level of dialogue that exists between the two leaders of said countries. If Abe had placed any importance on relations between the two nation, as he so eagerly had done with China, a separate meeting could have been more aggressively sought in a slightly more secluded atmosphere instead of a by-chance dinner encounter.

Abe is more interested in mending relations with the North which he has shown no acumen for demonstrated just recently with Japan presenting a draft resolution along with the European Union to the United Nations that encourages the Security Council to refer North Korea to the tribunal in The Hague, this just after a Japanese abductee delegation returned from North Korea with it's tail between it's legs. If he were a slight bit sharper, he would have pursued a partner strategy with Park/South Korea some time ago and work together to resolve issues between all three nations but instead Japan has not only isolated itself from those two but China as well.

Yes, the US hopes for improved relations and yes, they put pressure on ALL sides to sit down and work out their issues but what can you expect with team-Abe which has tripped over itself every time it tries to take a step, most often backwards.

sensato:

I'm no fan of Abe, but at least in this instance he is making an effort at taking a conciliatory approach,

Looks can be deceiving. Sometimes WYSIWYG lets everyone know where everyone else stands. It sure makes back-stabbing less of a surprise. Making an effort? I'd say, making an effort to make it look like an effort.

tinawatanabeNov. 12, 2014 - 08:41AM JST

Mr. Perfect, Japan is under pressure from US to improve the tie with SK.

Yes, it is true. But the US policy is one of those stupid Obama diplomacies that screw up everywhere from Ukraine, Syria, Iraq, South China Sea, Hong Kong, and so on.

SK is jumping from US bloc to China bloc because they think China will give NK to SK, which US can never give. Koreans are dreaming that they will live happily ever after, united under nuclear umbrella of China, free of US soldiers. To achieve that goal, they need to be cold to Japan, and history is a convenient pretext for it.

If US want to retain SK in their bloc against China, they should tell Koreans that US will give NK in future and tell Koreans to be reasonable to Japan.

Abe soft talk didn't melt down hearts of cool standing Chinese leaders because it's no easy to hide ongoing island dispute but it may help to hold things together.

I think Japan needs China more than China needs Japan.

http://mainichi.jp/select/news/20141112k0000m030115000c.html

Of course, China never fails to amaze the rest of the world how immature they are.

Before we get a flood from the 50 cent army, this is from the domestic media. The Chinese government clearly wanted to show their already brainwashed masses that "We didn't want this meeting but they insisted. It was done in a such an impromptu manner that we didn't have time to prepare the flag"

"Japan and China need each other."

However, giving into Shinzo will disgrace the victims of savagery: Nanjing Massacre, Kanto Massacre, Government Run Sex Slavery, and other savagery.

Sometimes, you need to take a loss. It can send a wrong message to Shinzo and his followers.

I'm not going to go so far as to say Japan and China need each other, but what they do need is for both sides to work together in a less acrimonious way, which can be said for every nation.

PM Abe is very commendable in his quest for peace. A true statesman! May theChinese counterpart realize that their soil is vast enough and no nee to grab other countries' properties. Who knows there are greater un tap resources which worth more that those tiny islands.

It's lost on them, completely, but it's amusing to see that the posters claiming "Abe is great! Japan wants peace but china does not!" are the very same posters using bombast, hostility, and mass generalization to force a point that is simply not true. BOTH countries need each other, as Abe said, and BOTH countries need to exercise restraint in provoking the other, and exercising good will. Merely saying so but practicing something else is lip-service. So, let's hope BOTH nations can drop the childishness (yes, both nations), and realize that they really do need each other.

I think Japan needs China more than China needs Japan.

Tell that to the hundreds upon thousands of Chinese buying up all the diapers, knives, pottery, rice cookers, washlets and brand merchandise in Japan.

-1 Good Bad SchopenhauerNOV. 12, 2014 - 08:21AM JST Correction: Do Chinese people hate Abe or the Japanese people?

The correct answer would be both, and if you knew very many Chinese people you would know that hating Japan is not only official Chinese government policy, but many individual Chinese do as well. It has been drummed into them from the earliest age that Japan is the "enemy." That goes for Koreans too.

Mr. Perfect, It is Pak that's refusing a summit with Abe. You don't like Abe's bragging about the 'conversation' with Pak. Well, he didn't even have to brag if he was not under any pressure.

CH3CHO, I agree with you. I think the only solution for Japan is building a nuke weapon.

Japan and China need each other: Abe. One of the few good statements made by Abe and I'm pleased he said it. A Realist: There will always be those who hate but I don't know a single Chinese person (living in Japan) who hates Japanese.

Stuart: "A Realist: There will always be those who hate but I don't know a single Chinese person (living in Japan) who hates Japanese."

Like I said earlier, the irony of the hatred spewed by right-wingers on this thread and site is completely lost on them. Some on here even say, "you are Korean" if you disagree with them, as though being of that nationality is some kind of insult or something. As you and most have said on here -- the two need each other, and badly. Japan especially needs China if the latter is making grounds in Pacific free trade while the former is struggling and could be left in the dust. Yes, China's president could definitely be more cordial with his greetings, but when Abe suggests meetings or says they need to cooperate and then turns around and says there is no island dispute, or goes home and visits Yasukuni or white-washes history, it's merely lip-service. That is NOT being a statesman any more than ignoring what another leader says and offering a dead-fish handshake for photo ops is. Shouting that only ONE side is pushing for peace and growth between nations is silly when neither is, and especially when you say so in a manner that is counter-productive and is merely chiding the other side.

Talking about hate. There's only one country out of the three in question, where nut cases are allowed to go onto streets everyday and spew death threats, harass, assault ethnics, and advocate entire ethnic cleansing. And it's all legal too.

Japan and China, we need each other.

We used to have a fascist government. You want to create a fascist government for the future. How can we not get along?

tinawatanabe Nov. 12, 2014 - 02:55PM JST

Mr. Perfect, It is Pak that's refusing a summit with Abe. You don't like Abe's bragging about the 'conversation' with Pak. Well, he didn't even have to brag if he was not under any pressure.

Yes and no. Abe wanted Dokdo islets to be on the table which the Koreans would not accept and of course the the Koreans wanted a conciliatory gesture from Abe on the history issues which Abe has been deflecting. If Abe had taken a slightly more humble approach on the latter, especially on the sex-slave issue as well as an "agree to disagree" stance on Dokdo then Park would have had no excuses not to meet with him.

By the way, isn't Abe and the stance of the Japanese government that there is NO territorial dispute with China regarding the Senkaku islets which had prevented Xi and Abe from meeting? Interesting that he doesn't accept that position from South Korea on Dokdo islets. As long as South Korea says there is no territorial dispute, I guess there isn't, is there now!

Mr. Perfect, There were not 200,000 comfort women, they were not kidnapped from their homes. Why did not even a single parent of those women came to complain then? As long as SK demand Japan accept the story, there will never be any summit with SK. I guarantee. Can't you tell how much Japanese are angry at that story by the fact that every year decline of J tourists and investments?

Mr. Perfect

When a nation occupy another nation's territory through force then there is a dispute no matter how much the one who is administering it claims there is no dispute.

The Russians no matter how they are not forth coming, they clear acknowledges that there is a dispute between Japan and Russia over the Northern territories.

When a nation occupy another nation's territory through force then there is a dispute no matter how much the one who is administering it claims there is no dispute.

I hope you're not talking about the Senkaku Islands here -- Japan didn't occupy them by force. Indeed, there was nothing to 'occupy', because no human beings lived there, or had ever lived there, when the Okinawans began using them in the 1800s.

on abe: "im gonna visit and honor war criminals that slaughtered and experimented on your people at yasukuni and other temples but its cool if we do business right"

Not as easy as it looks when come to territorial dispute, nobody will give an inch.

on abe: "it was seventy years ago. you should get over it. we apologized many times even though we've also taken it back. and we're gonna not teach our children any of this. so we good to make it rain?"

@AlexNoaburg Kind of like the hypocrisy China shows by dealing with NK, huh? All Japan wants is treatment equal to them.

logical fallacy, scipantheist. one issue at a time.

That's why you are bringing up WW2 on an economic discussion, right, Noaburg?

i'm talking of the china-japan issue. not china or japan-another country issue.

Japan and China need each other: Abe

Not really. As others have correctly stated, it's a classic case of honne/tatemae

http://www.news24.jp/articles/2014/11/10/04263093.html

"会談はお願いしてまでやることではない"

"The meeting is not necessary" (referring to the demands that the Chinese counterparts made)

Abe is so much more conciliatory than when he first came to power the second time round! He and his 3 arrows, Yasukuni visit, going around the world to stir trouble for China, providing military hardware to Vietnam and the Philippines, etc.. Well Modi has become even closer to Xi, Vietnam has signed so many agreements with China, Aquino is on his way out, Obama needs China to bolster his final 2 years, Putin is practically sleeping with Xi, SK has just signed the FTA with China, Chinese Silk Road and the new Maritime Silk Road has left Japan in a corner, Abe's 3 arrows have misfired and the Yen is being driven down the drain, traditional Japanese consumer exports to China have all been overtaken by US and European countries, Russian gas pipeline is going to China and China's bullet trains are going all the way to Singapore, etc.. There is a Turkish saying," no matter how far you have travelled on the wrong road, turn back!" But he is right. Both countries need each other. Hopefully he comes to his senses. And for the doomsayers, yes Abe has left China and he did not die of pollution or food poisoning!!!

SamuraiBlue Nov. 12, 2014 - 05:53PM JST

When a nation occupy another nation's territory through force then there is a dispute no matter how much the one who is administering it claims there is no dispute.

The Russians no matter how they are not forth coming, they clear acknowledges that there is a dispute between Japan and Russia over the Northern territories.

The issue of the Russian held territories is clearly different from both Dokdo and the Senkakus in that the Russian controlled islands were invaded by Russia at the end of WWII and the Russians acknowledge Japan's historical control over them prior to their occupation. Russia could easily have said that those islands were the spoils of war and end the matter there as the Russians seem hell bent on enlarging their territory, especially these days, but they chose to accept the position that there is a dispute SIMPLY for leverage and gain over Japan and that is clearly shown in how the J-government bends over backwards, begging the Russians at every opportunity. When Abe first took office, and the second time as well, he listed both Dokdo and the Russian held territories as top priorities he would strive to settle.

But when it comes to Dokdo, and I refer to them as Dokdo because they are by all means in Korean sovereignty as they are administered over by Korea and not by Japan, the argument that they are illegally occupied is not a legal fact but is a Japanese position, nothing more and after lengthy study of the subject feel the Japan has not shown due evidence to support it's claim. The Koreans need not agree to Japan's request for mediation or a judicial review of the matter and have chosen this stance. I believe the Senkakus are similar to the extent that they are in Japanese sovereignty and Japan administers over these islands but I'm far less familiar with the history and position of both sides on the matter. Without overwhelmingly clear evidence NO judicial body anywhere would reverse ownership of anything on the 9/10 possession principle, it's as simple as that.

What is a matter of interest is the hypocritical position Team-Abe and previous administrations have taken where as they demand that Korea recognize Japan's territorial claim and that a dispute exists but on the other hand flat-out deny China the same recognition (that there is a dispute) with regards to the Senkakus and refuse to discuss the matter. What's good for the goose is good for the gander it seems. I am simply talking about the recognition of one's claim by another, not whose is whose or what belongs to whom. Can you please clear that one up for me?

What is a matter of interest is the hypocritical position Team-Abe and previous administrations have taken where as they demand that Korea recognize Japan's territorial claim and that a dispute exists

As a prerequisite to a bilateral summit? Never. Hence the comparison to China is moot.

Mr. PerfectNov. 13, 2014 - 02:43AM JST When Abe first took office, and the second time as well, he listed both Dokdo and the Russian held territories as top priorities he would strive to settle.

The Kurile island dispute will be put on hold for now. Abe and many of the Japanese goverment officials are supporting efforts for a natural gas pipeline from Russia, to cut energy costs after the Fukushima nuclear disaster. Russia is expanding role as a energy supplier to Asia after the recent deal to sell China for 30 years. At present, Japan is the largest importer of liquefied natural gas that has more than double the cost after 3/11 disaster. Japan could lower the long term energy bill by getting gas directly by pipeline rather than more-expensive LNG, which is shipped by tankers. Japan could buy Russian gas at a cheaper price similar to the China deal if the pipeline is built. If Russia extends to Japan, then Russia doesn’t have to rely on Europe which is trying to reduce dependence on the Russian gas supplies. Japan has a long term energy problem. About half of Japan’s reactors may never be restarted because of the new tougher safety standards.

http://news.tbs.co.jp/newseye/tbs_newseye2346004.html

中国国内の世論の反応を気にしているという習近平指導部。日本政府関係者によると、首脳会談の実現を「日本の外交上の勝利」と宣伝しないよう、申し入れてきたということです

According to the Japanese government sources, Xi's staff was worried about China's public reaction so they asked the Japanese counterparts to not publicize "Japan's Diplomatic Win".

nigelboy Nov. 13, 2014 - 05:21AM JST

According to the Japanese government sources, Xi's staff was worried about China's public reaction so they asked the Japanese counterparts to not publicize "Japan's Diplomatic Win".

Does anything appear odd about this comment? First off it start's with "According to the Japanese government sources," Now if the source had come from within the Chinese administration it just might hold some weight but this is seems clearly aimed at giving Abe some political achievement in the eyes of the J-public. Secondly, can anyone who has a inkling of knowledge on the Chinese really believe that a member of Xi's staff would admit directly to a J-gov official that the Japanese had a "Diplomatic Win". That individual would be hours away from a noose around his neck as well as his or her family members.

By the way, how would a J-gov source be privy to the thinking and/or comments of a member of Xi's staff? One thing the Chinese government have going for them is they don't think out-loud or aren't gaffe-prone, unlike their Japanese counter-parts, nor would they ever make comments that in anyway would shed a dis-favorable view or perception of anything to do with China. Maybe we should reconsider the validity on this one or lay off the cool-aid.

Does anything appear odd about this comment?

Not really. Perhaps reading the article I linked to may help your confusion. In addition, you give Chinese government to much credit. Don't know where you get the "aren't gaffe-prone".

nigelboy Nov. 13, 2014 - 08:16AM JST

Not really. Perhaps reading the article I linked to may help your confusion. In addition, you give Chinese government to much credit. Don't know where you get the "aren't gaffe-prone"

Again, that fact the a J-gov source, probably anonymous as well, and your link is to a TBS story mind you, provided this information makes it's validity a huge question mark. Honestly, had the Chinese media released a statement that said, according to a Chinese government source, Abe's staff were worried that Abe was going to reverse his position and acknowledge the Chinese requests that Japan recognize that there exists a dispute regarding claim to the Senkakus, You my friend would be the first commenter on the thread to denounce the statement based solely on my argument so lets be intellectually honest here and look at things for what they really are.

Again, that fact the a J-gov source, probably anonymous as well, and your link is to a TBS story mind you, provided this information makes it's validity a huge question mark. Honestly, had the Chinese media released a statement that said, according to a Chinese government source, Abe's staff were worried that Abe was going to reverse his position and acknowledge the Chinese requests that Japan recognize that there exists a dispute regarding claim to the Senkakus, You my friend would be the first commenter on the thread to denounce the statement based solely on my argument so lets be intellectually honest here and look at things for what they really are.

I guess we're comparing the credibility of Japanese media (in this case, Mainich which is left leaning)versus that of state run Chinese media?

What it is clear is that there are no Yasukuni nor Senkaku mentioned in the Summit statement, a prerequisite that China demanded in order for this Summit to happen.

http://www.sankei.com/politics/news/141013/plt1410130007-n1.html

Xi caved in.

nigelboyNov. 13, 2014 - 08:16AM JST According to the Japanese government sources, Xi's staff was worried about China's public reaction so they asked the Japanese counterparts to not publicize "Japan's Diplomatic Win".

That sounds closer to the facts than anything else that anyone wrote here. Imagine the reaction of Communist China's nationalist if Xi's government admitted that it caved?

Hell, All isn't cookies and cream in the Communist winter wonderland.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/chinese-leaders-embroiled-in-bitter-power-struggle-a-824379.html

http://ifair.eu/en/think/whos-after-hu-the-bo-xilai-incident-and-the-future-of-political-leadership-in-china/

tinawatanabeNov. 12, 2014 - 08:41AM JST Mr. Perfect, Japan is under pressure from US to improve the tie with SK.

The US has put pressure on both Japan and South Korea to play nice. Japan tried to be nice and it tried real hard. But, South Korea's President Park continued to balk at any talks. She continued a propaganda war against Japan even after all the pressure the US had placed on it. President Park went out of her way to be rude and her government did all it could to demonize Japan. President Park couldn't careless what the US wants, President isn't a friend.

You see, the US is under has the misguided idea that South Korea under Park would ever listen to anything the US would say. But, South Korea under Park is in Communist China's camp. President Park would only listen to what President Xi told her to do.

Since her overlord, President Xi shock hands with Abe she started to be nice to Abe. President Park got the okay to start being nice. So, President Park actually did something she has rarely ever done, she spoke to Prime Minister Abe as if he were a human being before the dinner and sounded as though she wanted to thaw their relations!

But, when dealing with Park one must keep one eyes on her and the other on your wallet. She will be shacking your hand with her right hand while her left hand is digging through your pockets. She still wants Japan to pay what her Daddy promised South Korea would pay in the 65 treaty.

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/11/11/national/politics-diplomacy/abe-park-speak-informally-dinner-apec-leaders/

nigelboy Nov. 13, 2014 - 10:22AM JST

I guess we're comparing the credibility of Japanese media (in this case, Mainich which is left leaning)versus that of state run Chinese media?

NOT AT ALL. I'm questioning the source, the so-called Japanese government sources and therefore the credibility of the story.

The media outlet is not at issue. Lets try this a different way, had the JAPANESE the media, say the Yomiuri Shimbun, released a story that said, according to a Chinese government source, Abe's staff were worried that Abe was going to reverse his position and acknowledge the Chinese requests that Japan recognize that there exists a dispute regarding claim to the Senkakus. You would be the first commenter on the thread to denounce the story based solely on it coming from a Chinese government source.

NOT AT ALL. I'm questioning the source, the so-called Japanese government sources and therefore the credibility of the story.

And I gave you the subsequent results. Are you also going to claim that the Xi did not set the two prerequisites as well?

nigelboy Nov. 13, 2014 - 11:27AM JST

And I gave you the subsequent results.

I will respectful agree as to not having a clue as to your point and will leave it at that. No point in wasting anymore of our time.

Japan and China need each other: Abe

So stop white-washing history and visiting Yasukuni shrine then, you idiot

China need Japan? I only believe this in 20 years. 20 years later, Japan will find no room for itself. Look at Sony, this is the example of competitions between China and Japan. As the priministor of Sigpore said,"I can see no future for Japan"

mgglifeNov. 13, 2014 - 06:56PM JST China need Japan?

Yes, it does.

mgglifeNov. 13, 2014 - 06:56PM JST I only believe this in 20 years. 20 years later, Japan will find no room for itself.

In 20 years there won't be the same China that we know today. Communism can't survive in a free market environment and a free market can't survive under a repressive Communist controlled utopia, one will always give way to the other.

That is why in less than 20 years one will die out and the other will grow, expand and become something better. I'll let you guess which one I believe will survive that struggle.

mgglifeNov. 13, 2014 - 06:56PM JST Look at Sony, this is the example of competitions between China and Japan. As the priministor of Sigpore said,"I can see no future for Japan"

Sony isn't an example between competition between Japan and China. Sony is a perfect example of a corporation that is evolving.

Now, can you please provide a link where Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said that Japan was so doomed?

If you were correct Japan's Nikkei would be dipping to record breaking lows! BTW the Nikkei is actually hitting record breaking highs! Gee, something has to be wrong!

It can't be just because investor actually believe that the third largest economy in the world is moving in the right direction! There has to be something else amiss!?!

I got it, a conspiracy theory!!!!

JoeBigs, doomsayers have been saying, “Communism can't survive in a free market environment and a free market can't survive under a repressive Communist controlled utopia, one will always give way to the other,” or “China will implode,” or “China’s days are numbered” for over three decades now. They are all wrong. Free market environment has been flourishing in China and there is yet any sign that the communist government is weakening, but the opposite is true. Haven’t you heard, “China is doing it with Chinese characteristics?” To truly reflect the reality, China is governed by a communist party, but that doesn’t mean China is practicing communism. China is trying to avoid the two extremes, so it doesn’t want to be like the US which caused chaos and suffering to a lot of people under the name of democracy or freedom. Now, Japan it is stuck in the mud and trying to reverse its course. The only way that it can get out of the pit is to be nice to China. Have you heard any China bashing coming from Japan lately? It’s all so quiet because Japan wants the supports from China. Japanese corporations just can’t compete in China and they’ve all suffered in the last couple of years. The problem with Japan is there is no consistent foreign policy; it’s all up to the politicians to do whatever they want. Japan is suffering from extreme self-indulgence. All you can see is whether Nikkei is up or down. What about something that Japan did that will benefit the region or the world, anything recently? Japan may now be the third largest economy but that position is weakening as you may have heard. So, is it moving in the right direction? I think it is all up to China.

Well said JoeBiggs, all of your comments are 100% correct, much to the annoyance of the obvious regular 50centers here.

@JoeBigs,

Communism can't survive in a free market environment and a free market can't survive under a repressive Communist >controlled utopia, one will always give way to the other.

If this true, Chinese companies can't go so far now days, they have died aready. Weak up man!

It is not Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said this, his farther did.

In 20 years there won't be the same China that we know today.

It is true! Due to one child policy, their productive workforce will shrink. Due to massive spending on construction, China can face the housing bubble like US and Japan. Unlike US and Japan, their banks are well prepared and well saved for the financial shock. However China GDP will never get back the 10% rate of good old days.

Communism can't survive in a free market environment and a free market can't survive under a repressive Communist controlled utopia,

In the real world, there is no free market. All market has some forms of protection for competition. China sold more than they bought from the world. They protected their market. The outcome is they have high trade surplus. Market can be wild as beast if there is no control. Capital will as bird if there is no discipline according GFC. Whether communist or capitalist, ideology is not the decisive factor for prosperity.

Singapore, PRC and Middle east nations government are the business. Their sovereign wealth funds are controlled by government. Not from private sector. Due to the strict rules and regulation, their banks are strong and well balanced.

Japan has technology that China needs. China has booming market that Japan needs. However Japan population is 123 millions and keep shrinking. In term of selling goods and service, Japan is no longer important for exporters of China. Japan needs to get more babies and efficiency for the business.

mgglife If this true, Chinese companies can't go so far now days, they have died aready. Weak up man!

Chinese companies? Wait a second, which Chinese companies are you talking about?

mgglife It is not Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said this, his farther did.

But, you didn't say that.

Abe on his knees now that China passes the U.S.A. as the world's largest economy.

@heynong @flowers @mgglife You need honest financial data to have a strong economy. Not fiction handed down by the PRC.