Japanese govt must stop conniving at rightist provocations

BEIJING - Japanese right-wing activists illegally entered waters around China's Diaoyu Islands on Wednesday, as Tokyo winked at such provocative moves that have sent China-Japan ties to new lows.

At a time when the two sides should step up negotiations, the Japanese government's connivance in domestic rightist extremism is further complicating the already serious situation.

In recent months, Japanese rightists have staged a series of provocations over the Diaoyu Islands, including the islands-buying farce and the landings on the islands under various pretexts.

Instead of reining in the rightists, the Japanese government has chosen to give them a long leash, allowing them to wreak havoc on bilateral political, economic and people-to-people relations.

Thus for the current difficulties in China-Japan exchanges in various fields, Tokyo should bear full responsibility.

Japan has made many mistakes in its handling of relations with China. It has refused to face up to history and has approved history textbooks that whitewash its heinous war crimes.

Such serious mistakes are detrimental not only to bilateral relations but also to Japan's credibility and image on the world stage.

The Japanese people have become anxious over their country's strained ties with China, and have urged the government to seriously reflect on its view of history.

More than 1,000 Japanese citizens, including Nobel laureate Oe Kenzaburo, recently signed a petition calling on the government to immediately stop creating a vicious cycle on the Diaoyu Islands issue.

Japan's right-wing forces once led the country into militarism and war, bringing profound sufferings to Asian countries and peoples. Now the Japanese government is rubbing shoulders with the same elements.

History serves as a guide. The dangerous tendency in today's Japan requires vigilance on the part of Asian countries and the world at large.

It is time for the Japanese government to embrace a correct view of history and make the right decisions.

Through its heartfelt reflections and apologies, Germany has regained respect in the international community. Japan should not go on the opposite path.