Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's practice of making annual visits to Yasukuni Shrine is a thorn in the side of Japan-China relations.
Despite their good economic relations, the two countries have long been troubled by diplomatic problems. There are growing fears in the Japanese business community that unless the thorn is removed, even economic relations could suffer in the coming years.
Koizumi should understand that, to maintain peace in Asia, Japan's relations with China are even more important than those with the United States. He should thus reconsider his Yasukuni visits.