As of early November, China and Japan’s relations have rapidly deteriorated as the tensions regarding Japanese Prime Minister, Shinjiro Koizumi’s remarks about Taiwan’s independence and China’s aim to reunite the country with the mainland increased. In response to the rising tensions, Beijing has imposed a sanction on Japanese seafood imports and tourists who wished to visit Japan have had their tickets cancelled en-masse.
To fully gauge the discourse these following weeks have sparked among Chinese citizens, Nini, a young woman from Shaanxi, China told WLV News about her perspective on the newest developments between Japan and her home country.
As a Chinese netizen, how do you personally feel about the current political climate between China, Japan and Taiwan?
“Two thousand years ago, when China’s first emperor ascended the throne, Taiwan was already part of China. In 1684, the Qing Dynasty of China officially established an administrative agency to govern Taiwan establishing direct rule. In 1945, after the end of World War 2, Taiwan formally ‘returned to China, which was universally recognised by the international community.
In other words, Taiwan has been an inalienable part of China’s territory from ancient times to the present. I don’t understand why Japan insists on interfering in this matter. As a Chinese citizen. I have always believed that Taiwan belongs to China.
It’s a simple truth: how can you seize others’ property and land? This is bullying in itself.
Nini – Chinese citizen
To give an imperfect example, suppose my family has had a treasure passed down from generation to generation. But when it comes to me, someone actually tries to take it away and claim it as their own.
It’s so sad and disgusting.”
Do you think these tensions will be resolved soon or escalate even further?
“I think whether the relationship eases or tensions rise depends on Japan’s attitude toward Taiwan. I believe China is definitely not a country that likes to provoke trouble, because no one wants to see a war break out – civilians always suffer the most.”
Do you believe China was in the right for their response to the Japanese PM’s actions?
“If the other side keeps provoking, we will never stand idly by. We are by no means pushovers to be bullied. I also believe citizens around the world understand that every country and its people have the right to take up arms to defend themselves.
Just because you steal something, does it become yours? How pathetic.”
What do you personally believe would be the best course of action for China’s and Taiwan’s future?
“I am not a politician or a military strategist, so I cannot put forward an absolutely accurate idea about the future development direction. But I believe the best path forward is a future without war, where people live and work in peace and contentment. At the very least, we will never act like Japan, dumping nuclear wastewater into the ocean and threatening everyone’s lives.”
If Japan and China were to resolve this, do you believe they could ever return to their previous relationship?
“Our country proposed seeking common ground while reserving differences many years ago.
We don’t provoke or stir up trouble. I believe if they stop such provocative and bullying behaviours, there will be no need for us to resort to force.
This doesn’t mean we are weak. For our country, the people’s peaceful and happy lives is the most important thing, and we always put the people first and serve the people wholeheartedly.”
Nini – Chinese citizen