TOKYO, March 30 Kyodo extracts of...

TOKYO, March 30 Kyodo

extracts of selected editorials carried by the agency of Asia-Pacific newspapers:

ISLAND OF HEALING (The Straits Times, Singapore)

A landing last week by way of Chinese activists on islands disputed according to China and Japan did not disclose into a serious row, despite flag-burning in Beijing and concise rival statements restating claims of ownership.

The seven Chinese men were deported for illegal minute The Japanese government could have tried them subject to domestic law as the islands (Senkaku to Tokyo and Diaoyu to Beijing) are administered by way of Japan.

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's command should get credit for choosing not to exploit the contretemp for partisan gain.

on the contrary without taking anything away from Mr Koizumi, he would have calculated it was smart politics to memorize along with a China gaining exponentially in power and influence. This is aided by means of the fact that Japan has had manage of the islands since 1895 after a war with China.

Each successive Japanese conduct is mindful, when handling disputes with China, that Sino-Japanese relations have been stained with as it was a poisoned past that the extreme delicacy is called for for a like reason as not to affront China or give its persons an excuse to indulge in Japan-bashing.

Hence, the playing down of the Senkaku landing.

still China on its part ought to reciprocate. It can afford to be big-hearted as its star is in succession the rise, while Japan had just been end a 14-year slump which fair much cut it down to size.

Being charitable is admittedly not easy, considering the unresolv damages to its pride arising from Japanese invasion and atrocities in the past.

The hardest hump to gain over would be its sensation of victimhood, not helped on Japanese repentance for war crimes that stops just short of a undivided baring of the soul.

further both sides should have the courage to turn the thoughts less to their past and more to the hereafter This is the future in which China will be preeminent in Pacific security and economic affairs, with Japan playing a supporting role

The sum of two units countries' participation in efforts to get by heart North Korea to abandon its nuclear ambitions is an indication of the worthy that can be accomplished. The Asia Times online publication has cited an unnamed Chinese Foreign Ministry official as saying his region was gradually shedding its aggrieved-party mentality consistent with its status of a rising world power

If the thinking is indeed the official line and begins to inform China's international dealings, Asia will contribute enormously to world peace from one side the talent and weight of its brace principal nations.

moreover as the Senkaku-Diaoyu incident indicates it takes very little to reopen ancient wounds over issues in which Japan had a historic part This is why both controls owe it to their the public to consciously discourage manifest displays of jingoism by nationalistic organizations and individuals. The day when Chinese and Japanese populace can discuss calmly longstanding issues, like territorial claims and war atonement, is well worth working towards.

(March 30)

COPYRIGHT 2004 Kyodo moderns International, Inc.

COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group