Abe, save Japanese economy first

Comment on "Japan and US overreacting", (China Daily, Nov 26)

China's strategic move to create an air defense identification zone is timely, because the United States is rebalancing its position in Asia, and the Shinzo Abe-led Japanese government is desperately trying to get the country's Constitution changed, and both countries' long-term plans are to contain China's rise.

The US knows very well that Japanese have always set their eyes on China to expand their geographical boundary. So by siding with Japan in the dispute with China over the Diaoyu Islands, the US is actually helping it fulfill its dream. US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel recently asserted that, according to the US-Japan Security Treaty, the Diaoyu Islands were under Japan's administrative control.

This is shocking because the US has always insisted that in any dispute between China and Japan over the Diaoyu Islands, it will not provide any assistance, military or otherwise, to Japan. Isn't the US then playing the role of an angel and the devil both?

China should be firm and consistent with its plan. It should never compromise on the issue in order to make the US realize that China is a push-over. And Japanese Prime Minister Abe should think more about how to cooperate with China to propel economic growth to help Japan's sluggish economy instead of violating other countries' sovereignty.

Adieu, from China Daily forum

Readers' comments are welcome. Please send your e-mail to opinion@chinadaily.com.cn or letters@chinadaily.com.cn or to the individual columnists. China Daily reserves the right to edit all letters. Thank you.

(China Daily 12/04/2013 page9)