Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's repeated,
provocative visits to the Yasukuni Shrine a symbol of militarism
means he has failed to fully atone for his country's war past,
Chinese historians said Wednesday.
They called Koizumi's visit "a political farce," which they said
is "a poison" for China-Japan relations.
They were especially enraged as Koizumi chose August 15 for his
latest visit, the 61st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World
War II.
"Koizumi has violated Japan's constitution," said He Li, a
professor at the University of National Defence, "and gone against
the will of peace-loving people in Japan."
A survey last month in the Mainichi newspaper showed 54 percent
of 1,065 respondents felt that whoever replaces Koizumi who is set
to step down next month should not visit the war shrine.
A separate survey conducted by the Nihon Keizai business
newspaper at about the same time showed similar results, with 53
percent opposing the visits, 28 percent supporting them and 19
percent undecided.
Tang Zhongnan, a researcher with the Chinese Academy of Social
Sciences, said Koizumi would face the trial of the history; and
asked his successor to make efforts to bring bilateral relations
back on track.
Li Liangzhi, a professor at Renmin University of China, said
Koizumi's pilgrimage to the shrine, where 14 war criminals of World
War II are honored, is a sign that Japan could one day return to
militarism.
"If he really wanted to show his love for peace, he should have
paid respects at the Marco Polo Bridge in Beijing instead of the
Yasukuni Shrine," he said, referring to Koizumi's excuse in
response to criticism.
On July 7, 1937, Japanese forces assaulted Marco Polo Bridge
(also known as Lugou Bridge), about 20 kilometers from downtown
Beijing, marking Japan's all-out invasion of China.
?
Liu Tinghua, a researcher with the Academy of Military Sciences of
the People's Liberation Army, said Japan would never be considered
a responsible nation if its leaders continue to pay respects to war
criminals.
He called Koizumis's visit "ignorant, short-sighted and
stupid."
"I can't imagine how Japan can fulfill its international
responsibilities at the United Nations when it can't even face up
to history," Liu said, referring to the country's efforts to secure
a permanent seat in the UN Security Council.
About 50 historians attended the gathering at the Museum of the
Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression near
the Marco Polo Bridge.
(China Daily August 17, 2006)
