Very true

Author: Tang Dynasty
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-09-01
Features: "If Asia adds two permanent Security Council seats, one will be for Japan," Secretary-General of the United Nations Kofi Annan said at a press conference on March 2. This statement, like a shot of adrenaline, excited the Japanese government, which has long sought permanent membership on the Security Council. For Japan to become a permanent member, according to the United Nations Charter, decisions on procedural matters require the agreement of at least nine of the fifteen members. Decisions on substantive matters also require nine votes, including the consent of all five permanent members. This is the "great power consensus" rule, commonly known as the "veto" power. Japan not only needs the support of 128 out of 191 UN member states but also the unanimous approval of all five permanent members.
Recently, some domestic experts on Japan have expressed concerns that China's veto could further strain Sino-Japanese relations, fueling anti-China sentiment among the Japanese public and potentially directing Japan's aggression directly toward China. But when Japan invaded China, did it consider stirring up the emotions of the Chinese people? When Japanese soldiers committed acts of rape and mass murder against the Chinese people, did they consider the feelings and sentiments of the Chinese government and people? Japan has repeatedly claimed that four permanent members of the Security Council and over 100 UN member states support Japan's "permanent membership." This statement also implies that if China opposes it, China will be isolated internationally. Is this possible? Yes! But it's not serious! Some poor countries supporting Japan do so out of economic necessity. The best way to deal with these countries is to encourage them to collectively "bulk buy" from Japan. Since Japan wants to be a "big spender," we should encourage "bulk buying." As long as China does not vote in favor, Japan will have to engage in "bulk buying" year after year. Otherwise, these countries will quickly align with China. The attitude of the United States is very crucial. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Liu Jianchao announced at a regular press briefing on March 24, 2005, that Zhou Wenzhong, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, would be appointed as China's ambassador to the United States and would soon take office. This 60-year-old deputy minister, who has served as the deputy minister of foreign affairs since 2003 and oversees U.S. and Latin American affairs, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and translation work, is an outstanding and elegant diplomat with excellent English skills. Zhou Wenzhong is a highly respected foreign affairs official. His appointment as China's ambassador to the United States will improve Sino-U.S. relations, so the claim that China will be isolated internationally is completely unfounded.
Recently, Premier Wen Jiabao proposed three solutions to improve Sino-Japanese relations at a press conference on March 14: (1) creating a friendly environment for mutual visits between the two countries' leaders; (2) formulating a friendly strategic plan for Sino-Japanese diplomatic cooperation; (3) properly resolving historical issues. President Lee Myung-bak of South Korea went even further, publicly publishing a letter to the nation on March 23, severely criticizing Japan for revising its colonial aggression history and seeking regional hegemony. Additionally, the ongoing massive global signature campaign has pushed the call to oppose Japan's permanent membership to its peak. Therefore, the key to Japan's "permanent membership" still depends on whether the Japanese government recognizes, regrets, and takes concrete actions to rectify the past war, rather than "suppressing" China. We hope the Japanese government will handle history correctly, properly address lingering issues from the war, and correctly recognize Japan's role and responsibilities in the international community.