In recent weeks, mass anti-Japanese protests, the largest since Tokyo and Beijing normalized diplomatic relations in 1972, have occurred in major Chinese cities. As a result, Sino-Japanese relations, already considered cold on the political front, could cool economically.
Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi should stop repeating his cliche of "seeking future-oriented relations" for the two countries and make a bold initiative to solve the controversies.
The disputes stem from differences in historical perceptions. Since taking office, Koizumi has paid annual visits to Yasukuni Shrine, the Tokyo memorial to Japan's war dead, including convicted war criminals. The visits infuriate China and South Korea for failing to acknowledge the criminals' war responsibilities. Sino-Japanese relations have become frigid amid growing anti-Japanese sentiment in China.