Tensions on Asia

So just when you start to think things are getting better in Asia, you find out that China and Japan are still at odds. Big surprise, right?

Well, yeah, kind of.

Just yesterday, India and China agreed to form a "stategic partnership" which would create a bond between Asia's two emerging powers. In the past, these two nuclear countries have long been defined by mutual suspicion. But now these two powerful countries have joined forces. How strong are their ties? I'm sure that is not defined as of yet.

But now, this issue with Japan.

China has always been wary of Japan, and I doubt that it will change anytime soon. After countless invasions and many atrocities against the Chinese people, China will not let Japan off the hook very easily. Last weekend, tens of thousands of Chinese took to the streets demonstrating a new Japanese history book they say fails to admit the extent of Japan's World War II atrocities. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao told reporters today that Japan must "face up to history squarely" and that the protests should give Tokyo reason to rethink its bid for a permanent U.N. security council seat. "Only a country that respects history, takes responsibility for past history and wins over the trust of the people in Asia and the world at large can take greater responsibility in the international community," he added.

According to The Economist Global Agenda, Japan's leaders have so far apologized to China on no fewer than 17 occasions since the two nations restored diplomatic ties in 1972. Although it is a step in the right direction, I hardly think a mere apology will mend this broken relationship.

But it should be a start, right?