Protesters carry Tibetan flags outside Waseda University on Thursday afternoon. PHOTO BY TARO FUJIMOTO

China's development not threat to Japan, Hu says in Waseda speech

Thursday 08th May, 04:48 PM JST

TOKYO —

China and Japan should view each other not as rivals but as partners, Chinese President Hu Jintao said Thursday, at a time when the Japanese public casts a wary eye on the fast-paced development of its giant neighbor. In a speech at Tokyo’s Waseda University, Hu also made his most extensive remarks yet on Japan’s wartime aggression since his visit here began Tuesday, calling history ‘‘a textbook’’ for all to learn from.

The speech in the afternoon was the centerpiece of the day’s events aimed at reaching out to the Japanese public, which also included a visit to a ballet troupe and a reception hosted by bilateral friendship organizations.

China and Japan ‘‘should recognize each others’ development objectively and accurately, and see each other as cooperative partners, not rivals,’’ Hu said in the speech at a university hall, which was broadcast live in both Japan and China.

‘‘Both sides should support the other side’s peaceful development, and see the other’s development as an opportunity, not a threat,’’ he said.

Outside, more than a hundred activists and students gathered to protest China’s policy on Tibet, waving Tibetan flags and shouting ‘‘Free Tibet!’’

A smaller group of several dozen was also at the site to support Hu’s visit, waving Chinese flags and chanting, ‘‘China-Japan Friendship’’ and ‘‘One China.’’

China sees the recent violence in Tibet as part of a separatist movement instigated by the Dalai Lama, an allegation Tibet’s spiritual leader has repeatedly denied.

In the speech, Hu said the war of invasion by Japan ‘‘greatly damaged friendly ties’’ and ‘‘not only brought about enormous misfortune to the Chinese people but also greatly harmed the Japanese public.’’

He added that while China does not want history to be forgotten, ‘‘that is not for continuing ill feelings’’ but to learn from the past.

Earlier in the day, Hu visited the Matsuyama Ballet troupe in Tokyo, which has performed in China in the past. ‘‘Thank you,’’ he said in Japanese after the troupe performed for the president.

Hu is scheduled to visit a Chinese school in Yokohama and ancient temples in Nara, western Japan, before heading home on Saturday.

15 Comments

some14some at 04:27 PM JST - 8th May

Protesters gather...so disperse them, 6600 strong Police Force is deployed to avert any disturbances. Hope sincere students and invited guests will enjoy Hu's speech.
ebisen at 04:33 PM JST - 8th May

Protesters gather...so disperse them

some14some - this is not China, it doesn't really work THAT easy. I hope Hu listens to the sincere protester's opinions.
NeoJamal at 06:18 PM JST - 8th May

ome14some - this is not China, it doesn't really work THAT easy. I hope Hu listens to the sincere protester's opinions.

You are hoping for the leader of a regime that oppresses its neighbors with one hand and points to Japan's in-sincerity in reflecting on its inhumane occupation of China with the other.

Have I left you in despair?
ebisen at 07:01 PM JST - 8th May

Have I left you in despair?

yes. Although I wasn't really expecting Hu to listen to anyone, I was just paraphrasing some14some's "hope" :) In his view, "sincere students" are those who don't protest against China's politics :)) that's a funny twist of the meaning of "sincere" :~)
some14some at 07:41 PM JST - 8th May

Yes, huge damage has already been done to Japanese exports/economy so now China's development is mere jealousy and not a threat.
1keiron at 08:15 PM JST - 8th May

He wants to see peacefull development of both sides but doesnt want the past to be forgotten. Its abit of a contradicting concept as the past is the fuel to the fire.
Triple888 at 09:18 PM JST - 8th May

"Talk to Dalai Lama" would be more meaningful to Hu and the general Chinese. But "free Tibet" is asking for war on separatism.
Princeska at 09:44 PM JST - 8th May

Go China! I hope Japan takes zero gold olympic medals in Beijing.
1keiron at 11:21 PM JST - 8th May

"Talk to Dalai Lama" would be more meaningful to Hu and the general Chinese. But "free Tibet" is asking for war on separatism.

Yeah I agree. Would be a good approach to bring Asia togther instead of all this wananbe war. Leave the fighting to the Westerners, that's their faviroute game! Meanwhile focus on development into an even better nation, and help the poor areas of China.

China and Japan ‘‘should recognize each others’ development objectively and accurately, and see each other as cooperative partners, not rivals

Most definatley. A key statement if actioned for a better East Asia.I totally respect Japan and how they have peaced out post war to try and focus on their own country. China should take steps to stay focused too and not pee other nations off. The best thing for Hu is to keep ignoring the protesters and keep with professional talks and meetings to sort this all out.
OssanULTRA at 11:41 PM JST - 8th May

"Yes, huge damage has already been done to Japanese exports/economy so now China's development is mere jealousy and not a threat."

Congrats. You're single handedly detroying everything that Hu Jing Tao is trying to accomplish with this high state level visit. It's a good thing you're not in China. The authorities may want to have a word with you.
jasonpwilson01 at 05:09 AM JST - 9th May

China needs to back off!!! They have been far to aggressive towards Japan, especially the Japanese/Chinese water lines. Japan is no push over like many Chinese believe. I also agree with the students, "FREE TIBET"!!!!
reddragonguy at 11:11 AM JST - 9th May

Japan should understand China very very clearly

When Japanese critics blaming China for yearly more than 10 percent military budget raising, she has no rights to agrue with us. Because Japan inflicted terrible damages especially the biology-chemical weapons over China and Chinese people and US has delclared to use nuclear weapons to bomb 50 Chinese cities during the Korean war from the mouth of General MacArthur in 1951..... Those were unforgivenable crimes against humanities, they are geinocides worst the Austwitz camp! We never forget those things happened just like Japan never fiorgiet the Atomic bomb attacks over Hiroshima or Nagasaki or the US Pearl harbour! China and Chinese people has the rights to exists and we sure has the rights to protect our children,why the western world never give up their warmonerging attitude to sympathy the miserables of Chinese people they caused! Also all Chinese regardless of their nationalities supports Chinese government boosting the nation's military as a right that shouldnt giveup. China has done no threat to Japan, please be reasonable, if China cannot live peacefully and feel being discriminated, the world will very sorry about! Please be fair
reddragonguy at 11:15 AM JST - 9th May

‘‘greatly damaged friendly ties’’ and ‘‘not only brought about enormous misfortune to the Chinese people but also greatly harmed the Japanese public.’’

Well said! China has the every right to get back whatever she lost in terms of both wealth and military . Chairman Hu has been very friendly to tell the 1.35 buillion populations to be patience, he is appeasing the westrn world! The western world owed him too much,imagine what if the whole China wants wars.....
capone at 06:33 PM JST - 9th May

princeska, that's their usual medal count anyway
Kwaabish at 12:47 PM JST - 10th May

"‘‘Both sides should support the other side’s peaceful development, and see the other’s development as an opportunity, not a threat,’’ "

Yeah, especially when you specialize in blatant intellectual property infringement, you would want others to develop constantly...

How about starting to follow international standards, Mr. Hu?