Enemy, Friends and Neighbours
Recently, the on/off, love/hate, relationship between Japan and China has returned to hostility. Both our nations have historical and cultural ties. Not to China the country, but to its ancient states and of course by extension its culture. Territorial disputes and historical claims have been a constant in the JPN-CHN relationship for the last half of the 20th century and early 21rst. I admit that the expansionist Japan was not the best, and certainly many regrettable things occurred during its colonial expansion. But it cannot be denied that both countries share a bond be it for the best or for the worst.
China imports many products from Japan, and we have a great influx of tourism from them. But ideological differences between governments have changed that. Ever since WWII, Japan has been the incarnation of the devil in Asia. Korea and China always returning to the dark days of WWII. To some extent their concern in valid, and certainly Japan colours its history differently on its books. But it is also unfair to not recognize that times have passed and issue has been some-what settled. China and Japan are geographically, culturally close but at the same time they could not be further apart from each other.Chauvinism seems to be a constant in North-eastern Asia. The exaltation of nationalism and a believe of absolute superiority of x country. Sure, we all clap and stand with pride when we see the flag of our country and pridefully claim from where we hail from. I am no exception.
Truth be told I realize, Chauvinism, Nationalism and Religion cause more disruption and chaos into our world than any other cultural difference. In the past months we saw government sanction protest against Japan in China. This happened because Tokyo Prefecture bought from its private owner the Senkaku islands. Yes, notice I did not used the Chinese name alongside the Japanese name, because that is not going to change the issue. Under law the islands are now part of Tokyo Prefecture thus I refer to them by the Japanese name only.
Also in the last few weeks an official newspaper in China released an article questioning the annexation of the Ryukyu islands, to which I will now make the case!
Japan and the Ryukyu Islands
So what are the Ryukyu Islands, and why China has to cast a doubt on the annexation to Japan?
Firstly this are a group of islands located south of Kyushu, between Japan and Taiwan. The islands are divided into two prefectures: Kagoshima and Okinawa. The latter is the largest of the islands and the capital of the Ryukyu Kingdom. In 1609, Lord Shimazu, daimyo of Satsuma invaded the islands and established suzerainty over the Ryukyu. In 1879 the prefecture of Okinawa was created by the Meiji government and the Ryukyu Kingdom ceased to exist. The northern half of the islands was to given to Kagoshima Prefectures---the ancient Satsuma capital- whilst the southern part was part of the new Okinawa Prefecture.
From 1609 to 1874 the Ryukyu kingdom tributes to both Japan and China but after 1874, the tribute to China was officially terminated. After the end of the first Sino-Japanese War with the treaty of Shimonoseki in 1895, China officially renounced to any claim of the Ryukyu.
Then why bring it back again now? Well the Senkaku issues, of course! The Chinese are trying to portrait--again--Japan as the essence of evil in the region and cast a shroud of mistrust by the international community.
Though certainly the 20th century represents Japan's darkest hour, being the 40's decade its peak, I sincerely believe this country has moved towards enlightenment. But as long as Chauvinism and national antagonism sponsor by states exists in the region, this issues will never cease, and Japan has to confront the rotten fruits of its past. But has any empire or expansive force never committed an act considered to be an atrocity or evil? Non that I know. History is usually written and taught by the victors and it is their views that are reflected. Though some facts are just that, facts. We cannot ignore them but neither relieve them. It is China now, the one starting and expansionist campaign. They charge at Japan using the past as weapons, while relentlessly harassing its neighbours and suppression without hesitation any form of opposition to their plans. I consider it a hypocritical state, claim the side of victim and at the same time being the victimizers.
China in Shimonoseki and in 1972--I do not recall the latter date, so it might be wrong--forfeit with the signing of treaties any type of claims. The WWII claims were settled at the latter day. But when an expansion campaign begins, the shadow of atrocity, torture, oppression, mistreatment, etc.. will always appear, maybe China will learn that the hard way...