politics

Abe pledges no compromise over disputed islands

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I will treat you like a friend, and I will take over your home as mine.

-3 ( +6 / -9 )

China wants the Senkaku Islands and are now pushing hard to pull them into their realm of control. This issue has been simmering ever since the U.S. returned Okinawa to Japanese control in 1972 (actually, before this time frame). The LDP was in control of Japan during most of this period ... and did nothing except saying "the islands are ours." Things are different now as China is reaching out everywhere (Philippines, Vietnam, India) for land it claims is theirs. If Abe is serious about getting tough with China over this issue, he will find that things are not the same as they have been since 1972 (and before). China appears to be very, very serious about grabbing the Senkakus, and Abe had better be very, very serious about holding onto them ... no matter what.

This, as we all now know, is not an easy problem to solve ...

8 ( +10 / -2 )

I think he's being cautious. He's no Ishihara.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

It is always the politician who flame public sentiments under the name of national interest who pose the greatest risk and not the island themselves. It is about time that the Japanese public deserves to know the other side of the story however the Japanese government maintains the position that Senkaku Islands are Japanese territory under International Law and historical point of view and repeatedly insist to this day that no island dispute exist . They continue to evade important historical facts behind its unlawful incorporation of the island 1895. Hence this is a dispute that both sides should refer to the International Court of Justice rather than allow it to boil over. How else are they going to solve this matter?

3 ( +6 / -3 )

Time to prepare a bomb shelter.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

Maybe if he can stir the economy as he says and deepen dialogue, then China will see that if Japan's economy is stirred it will only lead to China receiving some sort of economical positive fallout from it too. Which in turn may ease tensions surrounding the islands....? Any spending that happens in Japan is bound to end up in China somewhere along the way.

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

Good to see he's focusing on the important issues that effect the lives of the millions of people he is WORKING for.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Thomas Anderson, he may not be Ishihara but he's not that far away from him. Make no mistake, this guy's a hard core nationalist. He harbours extreme conservative views and his election will only heighten tensions in the region.

2 ( +6 / -4 )

“We need to have wisdom not to turn political issues into economic issues,”

Wishful thinking. Abe is powerless to stop this from becoming economic, which it already is.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

@ayler, agreed. All i hear is talks about Nuclear power and Senkaku. He should focus more energy on northeastern Japan.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

....and China has warned against political trend turning right, according to official Xinhua New Aagency.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

China has an unpleasant tendency to get involved in territorial disputes with it's neighbors. For example the Sino-Indian border dispute, where both India and China claim the right to a particular area. Chinese people seem to take Confucius' teachings of not letting go to literally. Additionally China is dealing with no strong leaders in politics, so no one wants to take the responsibility for anything. I heard a story once that when some corn fields turned out to be a mistake, the government accused birds of destroying it (I'm not sure whether it's true though).

2 ( +5 / -3 )

some14someDEC. 17, 2012 - 04:47PM JST ...and China has warned against political trend turning right, according to official Xinhua New Aagency.

I always find it ironic when China starts warning other countries.

At the end of the day, China believes that now they have a bit of economic leverage, that they can start pushing everybody in the region around.

With the exception of North Korea (Backed and supported by China) it is China that is clearly the most destabilising threat in the region.

China has poor relations with, Japan, Vietnam, Malaysia, The Philippines, India and South Korea are not big fans either.

1 ( +5 / -4 )

China has an unpleasant tendency to get involved in territorial disputes with it's neighbors.

Japan has an unpleasant tendency to get involved in territorial disputes with it's neighbors.

Korea has an unpleasant tendency to get involved in territorial disputes with it's neighbors.

Open both eyes and you'll see that no one has the moral high ground in this region apart from Tibet.

5 ( +8 / -3 )

It's just a little island. Jeez there are a lot more important issues Mr Abe. How about working on mental health and reducing the suicide rate .

1 ( +4 / -3 )

We need to have wisdom not to turn political issues into economic issues.

Mr. Abe, this is not possible and you know that. Especially when these "political issues" involve the second and the third biggest economies on the world.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

BS -- he's just pandering to right-wingers. Just yesterday he was saying he wants better relations with China, and thanks to the tensions caused by Ishihara trade has hit an all-time low with Japan, and the economy is suffering. Behind closed doors with China he'll sing another tune.

3 ( +8 / -5 )

Thomas Anderson, he may not be Ishihara but he's not that far away from him. Make no mistake, this guy's a hard core nationalist. He harbours extreme conservative views and his election will only heighten tensions in the region.

Well well well,...then name someone who is a PM or a president or what not of any country that is NOT a "hardcore nationalist"? Thanks to China, Japan's nationalism is awakened after more than half a century of lefty whatever BS. The sleeping dragon awakened by a noisy neighbor. People other than Japanese, mostly, think that it is a bad thing to see that Japan is becoming nationalistic. Well who is righteously supposed to be? It's all the same, just different terms - some call it nationalism, some ...patriotism, some...love of your own country. What is the friggin' difference?

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

Well well well,...then name someone who is a PM or a president or what not of any country that is NOT a "hardcore nationalist"?

Most PMs or presidents are not "hardcore nationalists".

1 ( +5 / -4 )

axle14: "Thanks to China, Japan's nationalism is awakened after more than half a century of lefty whatever BS."

No, it's thanks to Ishihara, and the media has admitted as much. Why can't you?

3 ( +7 / -4 )

Fukushima operator TEPCO was a big winner on Monday, with its shares rocketing 33%, at the head of a charge by energy firms as investors cheered the likely end to a nascent move to snuff out atomic power

Sad. The days of the citizens' voices being ingnored, and the Japan Inc. machine -- politicians, bureaucrats and big business -- deciding what is best for them has returned. Well, as the saying goes, people get the government they deserve.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Most PMs or presidents are not "hardcore nationalists".

WHO?

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

No, it's thanks to Ishihara, and the media has admitted as much. Why can't you?

The media you said? It's the media whose making all these mess! Why would you?

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

and the recriminations fly back and forth, as expected.

China's Bellicose behavior is paying off in was it really probably won't want

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Smith he is just one old man with not much time left. There are reasons he is popular. As for Japan being "nationalist" just look at the other countries. China is grabbing everything it can. The USA is in the perpetual war against the evil enemy. Japan wants to hold on to these islands. As for distance from Tokyo, it does not matter. They are at the end of a string of islands the Ryukyu chain. All of these islands are a part of Japan. Standing up for your rights is not being "nationalistic".

2 ( +6 / -4 )

Smith he is just one old man with not much time left. There are reasons he is popular.

Oh really... I can't possibly see any reason why he is popular.

Japan wants to hold on to these islands.

Maybe he is "protecting" the islands of sorts, but he's doing it the wrong way. In fact he's just making things worse. His support is not helping the case.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

axle14

then name someone who is a PM or a president or what not of any country that is NOT a "hardcore nationalist"?

Seriously? You really believe that?

Japan's nationalism is awakened after more than half a century of lefty whatever BS.

If you think that the re-elected conservative LDP, who've pretty much monopolised that period, are lefties you might need to do some basic research before your next post. But then by the sounds of it you probably believe that unless anyone's a flag-waving ultra nationalist they must be a raving lefty loony. Give me a break.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Seriously? You really believe that?

Japan's nationalism is awakened after more than half a century of lefty whatever BS.

If you think that the re-elected conservative LDP, who've pretty much monopolised that period, are lefties you might need to do some basic research before your next post. But then by the sounds of it you probably believe that unless anyone's a flag-waving ultra nationalist they must be a raving lefty loony. Give me a break.

don't go around the post's question and answer it with non-sense aroggant alll know BS. Answer it straight and gimme a fkn breakkk.

-6 ( +1 / -7 )

If you think that the re-elected conservative LDP, who've pretty much monopolised that period, are lefties you might need to do some basic research before your next post. But then by the sounds of it you probably believe that unless anyone's a flag-waving ultra nationalist they must be a raving lefty loony. Give me a break.

don't go around the post's question and answer it with non-sense aroggant alll know BS. Answer it straight and gimme a fkn breakkk.

-7 ( +1 / -8 )

tian4670

I will treat you like a friend, and I will take over your home as mine.

It would be true if the home were owned by China.!

0 ( +1 / -1 )

he wanted to “deepen dialogue” with China. “We need to have wisdom not to turn political issues into economic issues,”

Are u kidding me?! There is no such thing on earth that people could separate politics and economy! Take look around the world: the US to Iran, NK, Cuba... Japen to NK, Iran... many muslim countries to Isreal... formal Vietnam, Burma... Hopefully Abe would understand how's the world really running in this term! I still sort of want this guy to do something good for this area, anyway he seems not too bad getting along with Taiwan !

2 ( +2 / -0 )

"...he wanted to “deepen dialogue” with China. “We need to have wisdom not to turn political issues into economic issues,”

Sorry, Abe, you can't have your cake and eat it, too. Take a tough line against China and expect the economy to worsen further. You can't say, "We're not budging on the island issue, and Nanjing and sexual slavery never happened, but we hope China will continue to import Japanese products while we take a harder line with them."

7 ( +10 / -3 )

Piotr GierszewskiDec. 17, 2012 - 05:09PM JST

China has an unpleasant tendency to get involved in territorial disputes with it's neighbors.

That is Japan, who has territorial disputes with not one, not two but ALL of its neighbors.

China's territorial disputes stem from the chaotic transition between Qing and ROC, which is still now in Taipei. They are not communists, so you can take their words if you don't believe Beijing in terms how many territorial disputes Beijing has settled so far. It is certainly not perfect. That is why China has asked Japan to acknowledge the mutual understanding established 40 years ago to put the dispute aside. And who has acted as if that meant China has given up the claim for good?

Japan is supposed to have its territorial boundary settled at the end of WWII. Otherwise why accepted the unconditional surrender at all?:-)

For example the Sino-Indian border dispute, where both India and China claim the right to a particular area. Chinese people seem to take Confucius' teachings of not letting go to literally.

With India? Who won the war in 1962? And who stayed back while the other side rushed in to take the land?

Additionally China is dealing with no strong leaders in politics, so no one wants to take the responsibility for anything. I heard a story once that when some corn fields turned out to be a mistake, the government accused birds of destroying it (I'm not sure whether it's true though).

Bravo. Let's watch continuous strong leadership exemplified in Japan.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

"Additionally China is dealing with no strong leaders in politics, so no one wants to take the responsibility for anything."

Hahaha... given that this is the 7th PM in 6.5 years I don't think you can defend Japan as having strong leaders by comparison.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Oh .. forgot to mention the CHINA - RUSSIA Bolshoy Ussuriysky Island dispute back in the 1980's.

And of course lets not forget the Elephant in the room ... TIBET.

Any one defending Chinas expansionist history and how TIBET was "magically signed over" to China clearly knows little about history. Over 100,000 TIBETANS were killed during the Cultural Revolution alone.

Japan DOES NOT have a perfect past at all, but over the last 60 years it has been, like Germany pretty much a model world citizen. I cannot remember being involved in any kind of conflict, oppression of its own citizens, repeated violations of human rights or blatant international industrial espionage etc in the last 60+ years.

The same cannot be said about China.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

smithinjapanDec. 17, 2012 - 10:25PM JST

Sorry, Abe, you can't have your cake and eat it, too. Take a tough line against China and expect the economy to worsen further. You can't say, "We're not budging on the island issue, and Nanjing and sexual slavery never happened, but we hope China will continue to import Japanese products while we take a harder line with them."

Surely he can and hope Japan will regain its previous rigor shortly. Both the counterpart can wait until its economy pulls even further ahead to the point that there is no need to teach him how to behave. Neither plan is easy feat for sure.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

_But he also struck a slightly more conciliatory note, saying he wanted to “deepen dialogue” with China. “We need to have wisdom not to turn political issues into economic issues,” he said.

Take a step back, you'll see a wide open sea and the vastness of the sky

0 ( +1 / -1 )

smithinjapanDec. 17, 2012 - 10:25PM JST

Sorry, Abe, you can't have your cake and eat it, too. Take a tough line against China and expect the economy to worsen further. You can't say, "We're not budging on the island issue, and Nanjing and sexual slavery never happened, but we hope China will continue to import Japanese products while we take a harder line with them."

Says it all.

The Japanese really think they can set the narrative. It maybe so in Japan, but isn't going to happen anywhere else.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

China had an opportunity to create a "Friendly" dialog with Noda. Instead, China took an arrogant and insulent attitude towards the Japanese with respects to the Senkaku Islands. Now, they get to deal with a Hard Lined Right Winger. Oh Yea, he's gonna rach out to China. He's gonna reach out to China with the Back Side of his hand and slap China right in the Face! Believe me, Abe will cling to that U.S.-Japan Treaty as a Geopolitical Shield and show China "The Way".

Also, if anyone is currently living in Japan (as a Foreinger) you'd better make sure your creditionals are up to date. The Right Wing is making a hard push to Nationalism and they have this interesting little snitch line that the Japanese Citizens can call if they suspect you are an "Over-Stay".

Welcome to your new government ;)

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

Has anyone considered suggesting to Mr PM (apart from me) putting the Nuke waste and the USBase on those islands to establish sovereignty.? 3 problems solved, now to the economy- deep pockets for all!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Saketown: "Instead, China took an arrogant and insulent attitude towards the Japanese with respects to the Senkaku Islands."

As a response to politicians like Ishihara. You guys seem to think China started all this.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

As a response to politicians like Ishihara. You guys seem to think China started all this.

Perhaps because it's true. A private owner wante to sell the islands initially to Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Ishihara obliged. China goes ape$hit because their attempts to purchase (using threats) from the owner failed.

End of story.

-6 ( +4 / -10 )

China says “ the islands are mine but its sovereignty is in dispute” Japan says “ the islands are mine which is not in dispute”

Chia says” the whole issue needs to be shelved and let the future generations have the final say on how to solve the problem” Japan says “ no compromise, end of story”

Who is more rational and flexible?

0 ( +3 / -3 )

nigelboyDec. 18, 2012 - 12:02AM JST

Perhaps because it's true. A private owner wante to sell the islands initially to Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Ishihara obliged. China goes ape$hit because their attempts to purchase (using threats) from the owner failed.

I know that study is not your greatest strength, but a little research into ultra vires might enlighten you.

A king, a duke shall not make. A lord, a duke shall not make.

In terms you might understand, a person cannot sell something that they legally don't own and this is a constant throughout most property laws; including Japan.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

nigelboy: "Perhaps because it's true."

If you guys actually put as much effort into the nation as you do denying the facts Japan wouldn't have the myriad of problems it has. As it is, you vote in a previous failure from a party of failures to be the 7th PM in less than 7 years. All of Japan's problems are internal, but so long as you keep up with the external locus of control crap and play the victim you'll always have the same problems and blame it on someone else. If I'm not mistaken the owner of the islands, who never should have been called as such in the first place given that Tokyo after WWII admitted they had no claim to the islands until the US said they did, turned down Ishihara. Even if he didn't, it still does not change the fact that Ishihara started all this with his bombast. Even your comment admits as much, though for some reason you claim it means China started it.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

In terms you might understand, a person cannot sell something that they legally don't own and this is a constant throughout most property laws; including Japan.

??? He does legally own it. He's got the deed as well as a lease agreement prior to his sale.

-8 ( +3 / -11 )

nigelboyDec. 18, 2012 - 01:27AM JST

??? He does legally own it. He's got the deed as well as a lease agreement prior to his sale.

From who?

I'm sure his ownership is not registered in Taipei or Beijing.

Discussion with you is so limited and besides your point is a distraction from the real issue of Japan being allowed to separate it's political issues from an economic reality that Japan needs desperately to sell well in China's domestic market.

The answers to both questions is a no, no matter how much Aso would want it otherwise.

America uses economics as a political sword, look at Cuba, so why should China behave differently?

5 ( +6 / -1 )

I'm sure his ownership is not registered in Taipei or Beijing.

Thank you. Because it has been terra nullius until Japan had incorporated them which followed with issuing exclusive commercial license, purchase by individuals, assessing property taxes, etc. which China throughout history NEVER conducted on these islands.

You just made my argument. LOL.

-10 ( +2 / -12 )

Buying the islands from an "owner" was completely bs. The islands had been in dispute for many years and certainly did not belong to any private owner. There are talks between China and Japan that go back to the Deng Xiaoping era.

Abe's position of "no compromise" is typical hardheaded Japanese crap about preserving national honor at the expense of anyone else. Too bad it's the kind of kool aid that Japanese people like to hear. And too bad Abe is dumb enough to even wish that his position will not affect the economic relations between China and Japan. He really needs to get his head out of his ass.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Omedeto gozaimasu. I do hope your promises and manifesto will be implemented. And I do hope LDP will no longer be riddled with SCANDALS and SHAME. Gambatte Mr. Abe.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

china and all of the political posturing is the not the story here... It's the economy stupid!

Pure and simple - ABE seems to be promising to spend up large. Where does this money come from? I urge Japanese investors to send their money overseas and bankrupt their government - force real, substantive change on this basket-case economy.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Abe-sama, both sides are determined here, so the dispute doesn't hurt economic ties is purely wishful thinking but couldn't believe you just said it out loud, as a prime minister. Bravo, hope this term around, you won't claim on health reasons and quit fixing Japan's problems half way. Ganbatte ne.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Mr Abe, instead of worrying about political issue being spilt into economy, you are better to think about spilt into military.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

People other than Japanese, mostly, think that it is a bad thing to see that Japan is becoming nationalistic

As a foreigner, I see nothing wrong in growing nationalistic movements in Japan. But I think that Mr Abe will not change anything in political or economical affairs. Tough rhetorics and nothing more.....

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

As a foreigner, I see nothing wrong in growing nationalistic movements in Japan.

According the article http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/police-see-rise-in-membership-of-extremist-groups#comment_1464276, Nationalistic movement is inflaming with immigrant foreigners too.

Abe is good for campaigning for nationalist idea and pride. That territory issue was popular as dooming economy. The question is whether he can control the hard line nationalistic and xenophobic ideas. Some will become die hard extremists.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

It is late, what the Peoples Republic of China forgets is now the National government can give away 4 of the islands. Since they did not own them they could not have given them away. If I am correct the 5th island is still in private hands. Under the laws of Japan it can not be given away.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

YuriOtani

They are at the end of a string of islands the Ryukyu chain.

No they aren't they are not geographically connected at all. Ownership is arbitrary. Usually decided by possession.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Good! The Senkaku are Japanese and they and the US will defend them if China feels itchy.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

"But he also struck a slightly more conciliatory note, saying he wanted to “deepen dialogue” with China. “We need to have wisdom not to turn political issues into economic issues,” he said."

Shinzo Abe wants both money made from China & the sovereignty of the disputed isles, doesn't he ? How ? The smart China exerts some pressure on the economic front -- intensified disputes would imply more pressure.. Before ling the 'Abenomics' would head for further losses..it may end up with resignation due to stomachache again ?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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