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Japan Forward
2 days ago
- Politics
- Japan Forward
Ex-Ambassador Tarumi: Japan Must Stand Firm and Defend Its National Interest
In Part II of his interview, former Ambassador to China Hideo Tarumi offers his insights on the fundamentals of diplomacy and the importance of standing firm. Tarumi, who served as ambassador from 2020 to 2023, spent his career at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs focused on China. He now teaches as a professor at Ritsumeikan University. Excerpts from Ambassador Tarumi's statements in the interview follow. Read Part 1 Former Liberal Democratic Party Secretary-General Nobutaka Machimura was a politician who firmly conveyed Japan's position to China. When large-scale anti-Japanese demonstrations broke out in China following Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's visit to Yasukuni Shrine, Machimura traveled to China in April 2005. There, he met with his counterpart Li Zhaoxing, demanded an apology, a return to the previous state of affairs, and measures to prevent a recurrence. Although the Chinese side claimed to be the "victim," Machimura pushed back, saying, "Does patriotism justify any kind of action against Japan? We strongly demand an apology for the violence directed at the Japanese Consulate-General and Japanese businesses in China." While many politicians hesitate to take a firm stance against China, Machimura was unwavering. Machimura was a man who exemplified what a politician should be. Japanese politicians should first study the history of the Senkaku Islands issue and understand its position under international law. It's not enough to have a vague idea of what happened in which year. They need a thorough grasp not only of Tokyo's stance but also of all of Beijing's claims and why those claims are unfounded. This is the most important responsibility for any national politician involved in diplomacy. The Senkaku issue is often blamed on the China School within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, it's the politicians themselves who have historically been lax in their handling of the matter. The Senkaku Islands (©Sankei by Kenji Suzuki） In 1972, for instance, during normalization talks between Japan and China, Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka asked Premier Zhou Enlai for his thoughts on the Senkaku Islands. Zhou replied, "I don't want to talk about it now." Tanaka's response was essentially, "What?" After all, it was his side that brought up the subject. Later in 1978, Deng Xiaoping unilaterally declared at a press conference in Japan that "a shelving agreement has been reached" regarding the Senkaku issue. Tokyo's official position is that there is no territorial dispute over the Senkakus. So why didn't Takeo Fukuda — who was Prime Minister at the time — or the Chief Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Minister respond to Deng's statement? One of them should have said, "There is nothing to be shelved regarding the Senkaku issue." Japan's claim to the Senkaku Islands is fundamentally strong, both in terms of international law and historical evidence. So why is this strength not more clearly asserted? Members of the Diet need to be able to explain and defend Japan's position wherever and whenever the issue arises. The Chinese leadership always tries to conclude talks with its own statement. It's a mistake to allow the discussion to end on their terms. Many politicians aren't even aware of this. Japanese PM Ishiba meets President Xi of China on the sidelines of APEC in Peru. (©Cabinet Office of the Prime Minister) As a diplomat, I have always been concerned about whether my actions could stand the test of history and whether I conducted diplomacy that would not bring shame in hindsight. We must never engage in diplomacy that ends with us being told what to do. I believe this applies to politicians as well. In matters of sovereignty and territorial disputes, we must have the final word. Young members of the ruling party often do not know when they will be appointed to key positions in foreign affairs and defense. For that reason, continuous learning is crucial. Some political parties and politicians in Japan seem to have little regard for the concept of national interest. One of the biggest challenges we diplomats faced in the past was arguing with the Chinese government over Fukushima's treated water issue. Even when we refuted Beijing's claims by citing specific figures, pointing out that the tritium, a radioactive substance in the treated water, was higher in Chinese nuclear plants, they would respond by saying, "Japanese Diet members and some scholars have also called it 'contaminated water'." It felt like being stabbed from behind. Tanks storing ALPS-treated water at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (© Sankei by Akihiko Otsuka) Some parliamentarians were waffling over unscientific claims about the release of treated water, but it's nothing more than self-serving theatrics. They were working hand-in-hand with China. Even if these politicians visit China, it will be merely a trip and will be of no significance for Japan. In fact, it's counterproductive. In China, the term "rùn," meaning to escape overseas, is becoming popular. Among those, the number of "rùn ri," or running to Japan, is rapidly growing. Chinese seeking the freedom they have lost in China and Hong Kong are gathering in Japan, especially in the Kanda area of Tokyo. More than 100 years ago, Sun Yat-sen and others were supported by Japanese businessmen, bringing about the Xinhai Revolution. Today, many Chinese people come to Kanda and other areas in Japan seeking the democratization of their homeland. Chinese bookstores have become gathering places where various issues are debated. That said, the Japanese establishment remains largely unaware of this movement. Many inbound tourists from China and elsewhere crowd Osaka's Dotonbori commercial area as the Chinese New Year begins. January 28, 2025 (©Sankei by Miyako Nagumo) If we approach this with a dislike of the Chinese people, we risk missing an important emerging trend. The United States Embassy in Japan is observing this movement with greater interest. One of these individuals could one day become China's leader. It's time for Japan to develop a long-term strategy. Of course, there are many troublemakers and misbehaving individuals among the Chinese population. These behaviors should be properly regulated and policed. However, not all Chinese people are like that. It's shortsighted and unstrategic to make enemies of all 1.4 billion Chinese. Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo clearly emphasized that a distinction must be made between the Chinese people and the Chinese Communist Party. If a Chinese aide stood next to the Japanese Foreign Minister, that alone might be criticized as being "pro-China" in Japan. However, it's the Chinese Communist Party that we must confront, not the people. China is not synonymous with the Chinese Communist Party. The Japanese media also shares some of the blame. Until now, they have not made a clear distinction. For example, the Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party in the US House of Representatives is often reported simply as the US House of Representatives Special Committee on China. The literal translation is Special Committee on Strategic Competition with the Chinese Communist Party, where the most serious and intense discussions take place. Japan's diplomatic stance is fundamentally centered on the idea that "harmony is key to success." This principle is also reflected in the Analects of Confucius, but with a caveat. "A wise man maintains harmony but does not blindly follow the crowd. An unwise man blindly follows the crowd but does not maintain harmony." While cooperation is important, we must not easily compromise our independence as Japanese. In other words, we must never lose sight of Japan's national interests. We must remain a sovereign nation. Author: Shimpei Okuhara, The Sankei Shimbun ( Read this in Japanese )
RTHK
6 days ago
- RTHK
Tourism turn for key army HQ in anti-Japanese war
Tourism turn for key army HQ in anti-Japanese war Li Jinshui says Chinese with conscience had to step forward to save the country during the war. Photo: RTHK Shanxi province has established a 'red cultural ecosystem' and patriotic education base at the site of the former Eighth Route Army headquarters in the war of resistance against Japan. Educational tours have been hosted at the site in Wuxiang county in Shanxi, as this year marks the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and World Anti-Fascist War. A former soldier from Wuxiang county who participated in the war of resistance, Li Jinshui, joined the Eighth Route Army at the age of 17 and participated in multiple battles. 'With my country being in trouble, I, as a person with conscience, had to step forward and save my country with guns,' he said. Li, 98, said he was seriously injured in a battle in 1944, with a bullet hitting him in the left leg, but that he continued to fight. 'I was discharged despite my wound not having fully recovered because we only had a small hospital and many injured soldiers,' he said. "The army needed people so I returned when my condition was stable." The former Eighth Route Army headquarters, from where oversight was cast over 135 battles during the war, has now been transformed into a memorial hall. The 'red tourism' site is expected to see more than 200,000 visitors per year. Researcher Guo Xiuxiang from a research institute of Communist Party history in Shanxi said the site is of high historical value. 'The site witnessed how Chinese soldiers and people fought against a siege and attack by the Japanese army,' she said. "It also witnessed how the Eighth Route Army engaged in guerrilla warfare against Japanese forces, and as such it has a very high historical value."
The Mainichi
21-07-2025
- Politics
- The Mainichi
Naturalized linguist in Japan laments recent political trend to blame foreigners
MUNAKATA, Fukuoka -- An American-born linguist who acquired Japanese nationality two years ago is concerned about the trend that was recently seen in the lead-up to the July 20 House of Councillors election in Japan. With one political party promoting a "Japanese First" agenda and misinformation spreading online, the scholar compared it to the division seen in the U.S. Interviewed before the upper house election, she said she planned to vote to support harmony. The linguist, Anne Crescini, 51, an associate professor at the University of Kitakyushu, specializes in loanwords. While teaching English at the university, she is active in other areas, also serving as a "Munakata support ambassador" in the Fukuoka Prefecture city of Munakata, where she lives, promoting the region's attractions, and giving lectures in various areas on multicultural understanding and other themes. Increasingly harsh online criticism Crescini has about 25,000 followers on X (formerly Twitter). Her bright personality and talks in Fukuoka's Hakata dialect are popular, and she is often asked to sign her books at lectures. However, on X, she often receives defamatory comments, accusing her of being an "anti-Japanese foreigner" and telling her, "Go back to your home country." "I'm mentally strong, but over the past week in particular, it's been tough, to tell the truth," she said ahead of the July 20 election, pained by the increasing fierceness of posts prior to voting. Crescini was born in the U.S. state of Virginia and came to Japan in 1997. She learned Japanese by singing songs by the female duo Kiroro at karaoke. Munakata, where she lives with her husband and daughters, is an irreplaceable location that she cherishes for the kindness of the people, the rich nature and the delicious food. In 2014 she acquired permanent residency and in 2023 she obtained Japanese citizenship. It was the COVID-19 pandemic that prompted Crescini to acquire Japanese nationality. In March 2020, her father, who had lived in the United States, passed away at the age of 79. But due to border control measures, people of foreign nationality faced restrictions on entering Japan, and this was no exception for Crescini, though she had permanent residency. Crescini gave up leaving Japan, fearing that if she departed, she wouldn't be able to return. It was two and a half years later that she was finally able to travel to the U.S. and stage a funeral for her father. Despite her love for Japan -- wearing a kimono, playing the shamisen and visiting shrines -- being treated as a "foreigner" was a shock for her. "No matter what, I want to stay in Japan," Crescini resolved. She accordingly decided to give up her U.S. citizenship and choose Japanese nationality. A society where everyone can live comfortably Having gained the right to vote, Crescini cast her ballot in the Munakata Municipal Assembly and House of Representatives elections, and this year's House of Councillors election marked her first upper house vote. She felt joy when the voting information postcard arrived. However, she has been increasingly anxious about the strength of recent criticism directed at foreigners which is more intense than ever before. "In economic hardship, society has less leeway, and politicians exploit people's desire to blame someone," she senses. "Supporting any political party isn't inherently bad," she clarifies, but adds, "I don't think Japan will get better by giving anxiety free rein and abstractly making foreigners the object of attack." Having witnessed division in American society under the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, she emphasizes, "Japan still has the ability to stop." Despite differences, Crescini hopes for a society where everyone can live comfortably. Her children are a significant reason for this hope. Her three daughters, born and raised in Japan, love the country. Even so, they have often been judged by their appearance. Though meaning no harm, others would say things like, "Your Japanese is good." One daughter, who dislikes standing out, found it difficult to remain in school in Japan, and chose to live in the U.S. What is a Japanese national and what is a foreigner? Like it or lump it, this question was thrust upon her. This is why Crescini wants to convey to others the importance of connecting as people. In April, Crescini organized the "Munakata international singing contest" with a local international exchange group. The event, where participants sang songs in languages other than their native tongue, featured 32 people in 20 groups including those who took part on the spot. They hailed from six countries, including Japan, Nepal, the U.S. and Vietnam, and it was a lively gathering. As the number of foreign residents increases, Crescini aims to continue serving as a "bridge" connecting them to Japanese society. Unlike in the House of Representatives, the terms of those elected to the House of Councillors are long, lasting six years, and the chamber is not subject to dissolution. It is required to adopt a long-term view as an organ of good sense, and so Crescini hopes to see thoughtful policy discussions that consider the various "foreigners" living in the same society, from international students to technical interns, tourists, permanent residents and refugees. Crescini holds one line from the poet Misuzu Kaneko close to heart: "We're all different, and that's just fine." In the upper house election, she said she planned to cast her vote so as not to give up on achieving such a society.
RTHK
05-07-2025
- Politics
- RTHK
Veterans in SAR pay visit to Chinese naval fleet
Veterans in SAR pay visit to Chinese naval fleet Lam Chun (left) and Law King-fai (right) tour the visiting naval fleet. Photo: RTHK The Chinese naval fleet docked in Hong Kong for a five-day port visit has welcomed two former anti-Japanese guerrilla fighters, as the veterans onboard a warship hailed the country's military advancement. Lam Chun and Law King-fai, both in their 90s, made a trip to the Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks on Stonecutters Island and the destroyer Zhanjiang on Saturday. They were once part of the Dongjiang Column, a guerrilla force fighting the Japanese during the Second World War. "We have now witnessed the warships making concrete advances, defending our motherland," Lam said. "They are not here to be involved in battles, but to protect ourselves, so that we can continue with our development." Law, for his part, recalled going to war in wooden boats back in the day, saying the country's naval vessels and weapons have changed and developed rapidly throughout the years. The Shandong aircraft carrier and other vessels in its strike group are in Hong Kong until Monday.
Borneo Post
28-06-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
The modern-day battle of a heroic Chinese city
Photo taken on June 23, 2025 shows a statue of Zhao Yiman, a revered war heroine, in the city of Shangzhi, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. – Xinhua photo HARBIN (June 29): In the fertile black soil of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, where traces of a turbulent past remain, the city of Shangzhi is pursuing a different kind of struggle, one for growth, grounded in resilience and the land itself. Sunlight filters through the trees at a memorial park in the city, a quiet corner that bears the weight of sacrifice. A winding stone path leads visitors to the site where Zhao Yiman, a revered war heroine, was captured after being wounded in a battle against Japanese invaders 90 years ago. As one of the most lionized female revolutionary martyrs, Zhao Yiman was a pivotal figure in northeast China's anti-Japanese resistance. Captured in 1935, she endured brutal torture but divulged nothing to the enemy. Executed at 31 in 1936, her final words to her young son urged pride in her sacrifice for the nation. In the city of Shangzhi, stories about heroes like Zhao Yiman and Zhao Shangzhi, another leader in the war of resistance against Japanese aggression, have become part of the land's identity. Shaped by hardship and nourished by fertile soil, Shangzhi has embarked on a transformative campaign, turning its once war-scarred landscape into a bountiful 'hometown of red raspberries'. The area's clean environment and sharp diurnal temperature shifts have proven ideal for berry cultivation. Today, berry cultivation, particularly red raspberries and blackcurrants, is a signature industry driving Shangzhi's rural revitalisation – its own modern-day 'battle' for sustainable prosperity. With 3,000 hectares of berry plantations, the city has established a modern industrial chain that covers stages from seedling breeding and cultivation to quick-freezing processing and sale. Berries are cultivated across all 17 townships in Shangzhi City, generating an annual output value of approximately 500 million yuan (about US$69.8 million), said Zhang Chenghai, deputy director of the city's agriculture and rural affairs bureau. An aerial drone photo taken on June 23, 2025 shows a view of the city of Shangzhi, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. – Xinhua photo Thanks to their high quality, about 70 per cent of the city's raspberries and blackcurrants are exported to markets in Russia, Brazil, the European Union and North America. According to Zan Qinglin, a leading official of Chengxi Village, the village has invested over 7 million yuan in the development of its 1,500-mu raspberry production base. In 2024, its raspberry yield reached 80 tonnes, generating 800,000 yuan in revenue and creating jobs for over 100 people. And technological innovation has brought new momentum to the industry. 'Shangzhi Red Raspberry' is a term that now enjoys national geographic indication protection, and local berry-processing enterprises are expanding, turning raw fruit into higher-value products such as anthocyanin extract and not-from-concentrate (NFC) juice. 'We're planning to attract business partnerships to upgrade our production lines, expand output and extend our industrial chain, making the raspberry industry a golden key for rural revitalization,' Zan said. Photo taken on June 23, 2025 shows a statue of Zhao Shangzhi, a leader in the war of resistance against Japanese aggression, in the city of Shangzhi, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. – Xinhua photo This transformation from a 'red' revolutionary base to a hub for red raspberry cultivation is intrinsic to Shangzhi's soul. The legacy of local heroes graces its streets, parks, and schools, anchoring the city to its resilient past and enduring hopes for the future. In Shangzhi, the hush of the memorial site and the hum of work in the berry fields are not contradictions, but verses in the same unbroken song that tells of a quiet resilience rooted in the black soil, where memory feeds the earth and the sweet, sun-soaked fruit thrives. – Xinhua China Heilongjiang Province Shangzhi City Xinhua
