Japan PM Pins Blame On Chinese Government For Attacks On Japanese Businesses
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Newly appointed Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday criticised the Chinese government for their failure to protect Japanese businesses operating in their country, and placed full blame on China for any deterioration in their bilateral business ties, after violent anti-Japan rallies broke out over the Senkaku/Diaoyu territorial dispute.
Newly appointed Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday criticised the Chinese government for their failure to protect Japanese businesses operating in their country, and placed full blame on China for any deterioration in their bilateral business ties, after violent anti-Japan rallies broke out over the Senkaku/Diaoyu territorial dispute.
“It was wrong for China, as a country responsible to the international community, to achieve a political goal by allowing damages to Japanese-affiliated companies and Japanese nationals that have made contributions to Chinese economy.
[quote]“It not only harms bilateral relations, it has a significantly negative influence on China’s economy and its society,” said Abe, as cited by AFP, during a news conference where he also announced more than 20 trillion yen ($224 billion) in new stimulus.[/quote]Related: The Return Of Abenomics: A New, Old Hope For Japan’s Economy?
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Sino-Japanese relations have been tense since September last year after Tokyo bought over the hotly disputed Senkaku islands — known as Diaoyu in China — from their private owners in September.
The move set off violent rallies in China, where protestors attacked and vandalised Japanese-owned factories, stores and businesses – causing over $100 million in damage in the process.
The widespread rallies prompted some analysts to suggest that Beijing had implicitly supported the protests, as the government was usually quick to stamp out all forms of violent demonstrations.
Abe, who was elected on a strong nationalist agenda, appeared to back this theory and reiterated his government’s stance over the disputed islands.
[quote]”Regarding Senkaku, there is no change to my position to resolutely protect this water and territory. There is no room for negotiation on this,” Abe told the press conference.[/quote]Meanwhile, an editorial in the state-run Global Times, urged Chinese citizens to “prepare for the worst” in regards to a potential clash over the islands. The op-ed piece did however call for a pragmatic approach, highlighting the important business ties between the two countries.
“China should have the courage to face military confrontations with any rival when provoked. At the same time, we should remain cool-headed,” it said.
[quote]”China and Japan have been co-operating in trade and other economic fields. We should try not to let political confrontations affect business.”[/quote]Related: The China-Japan Rivalry Renewed: Will Asia’s Geopolitical Balance Shift Once Again?
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