Japan FM Vows to Fight East Asia Nationalism
Japan FM Vows to Fight East Asia Nationalism
Wrapping up his visit to the United States, Japans Foreign Minister Taro Aso has commented on Tokyos fraying relations with Seoul and Beijing, saying he believes the three countries will withstand the current conflict through growing cultural and economic exchanges in the region.
The rising tide of nationalism in East Asia will be difficult to turn back but must be channeled in a positive way, Aso said. There is a fine line between patriotism, a healthy love for ones country and narrow-minded nationalism that breeds hatred towards others. He did not name any particular countries, but his comments come at a time when Tokyos ties with both Beijing and Seoul are at their worst in decades.
Japanese history textbooks, which Korea and China accuse of whitewashing Japans wartime atrocities, territorial clashes as well as visits to a militarist shrine by Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi are the main bones of contention. Asked about the dispute over the prime ministers visits to the Yasukuni Shrine, Aso said resolving that issue will not solve all the problems between the three countries.
More: english.chosun.com