Regarding the Dec. 21 Kyodo article "(Japan's) New defense posture cause for mistrust: China Daily": Perhaps Japan's fears would be allayed if China were to become a fully fledged democracy and take a stand against the bullying stance of North Korea. Until there is a greater and demonstrable respect for human rights in both these countries, Japan, South Korea and the rest of the world will remain nervous.

As a first step, China should let Facebook have free rein in the country. Then the voice of the people will truly be heard.

cherie brown