Don't overlook nationalist threat

[dArKeR]

A series of anti-Japan protests has erupted in China recently. From Beijing to Guangzhou to Shenzhen, tens of thousands have taken to the streets. Japanese department stores, restaurants and stores that sell Japanese goods have become targets of rage and attacks. Some shops in China with Japanese investments have temporarily shut down. Japanese tourists and students have stayed indoors. Some Japanese restaurants owned by Taiwanese businesspeople were also vandalized.

The Japanese government has issued strong protests against these demonstrations. Japanese Premier Junichiro Koizumi said that the events were regrettable and that he hopes the Chinese government will do its best to prevent a repeat of similar incidents. Japanese Foreign Minister Nobutaka Machimura demanded an apology from Beijing.

However, China considers the demonstrations to be initiated by the people on their own and therefore "the Chinese government should not be held accountable." So, it seems that we've only seen the beginning of anti-Japan sentiment in China, and it will become more heated. Chances are that tensions between Japan and China will escalate.

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/edit/archives/2005/04/17/2003250825