Japan risks repeating mistakes of history

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Today marks the 68th anniversary of Japan's announcement it was surrendering in World War II. Japanese media have been heatedly discussing the significance of this event.

Chinese media and public discourse in other countries should also consider the significance of this date.

The day is observed in Japan as a day of mourning for war dead. Chief cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga said he hoped every Japanese would mourn for war dead.

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has said he would not visit the Yasukuni Shrine today, but he has donated personal funds toward an offering at the shrine. As Japan's prime minister, he is stubbornly playing games. His cabinet is trying to break Japan's identity as both invader and defeated.

Japan used to dominate Northeast Asia, drove away Russian and Western forces, and even caught the US by surprise at the beginning of the Pacific War. It to a large extent relied on extreme nationalism.

World history has witnessed the extremism and mania of both Germany and Japan. What Japan is doing today makes us wonder if it will commit the same error again.

The controversy over the Yasukuni Shrine between Japan and other Asian countries such as China and South Korea has evolved into a clash of wills triggered by Japan toward its neighboring countries.

Japan is tempering itself using nationalism and attempting to boost national cohesion.

It is still under the military influence of the US, and its economy has been surpassed by China. It is hesitating between returning to the status of a small Northeast Asian country or rising by confronting the current Asia-Pacific sphere.

The Japanese do not necessarily have a complete plan to become extreme, but they hope to change the current state of affairs.

China and Japan have gradually ended up in confrontation. The hatred between South Koreans and Japanese people is at a deadlock. The 38th parallel used to be the top potential point that could trigger a war in East Asia. Now the point also includes islands over which Japan claims sovereignty and ocean control. In addition to Japanese politicians' Yasukuni visits, we can sense Japan's aggressiveness.

Japan may end the already difficult process of integration in Northeast Asia.

Japan's unity, if based on extreme nationalism, is bound to provoke nationalism in its neighboring countries, prompting hostility and confrontational sentiments. In turn, this will become excuses from Japan to extend its extreme nationalism, thus making itself the center of a political storm in Northeast Asia.

China does not have leverage over Japan's behavior. We should disclose Japan's insanity to the whole world. It will not only increase the political cost to those in Japan clamoring for extreme nationalism, but also make the international opinion environment favorable to China in the future. After all, the Yasukuni Shrine is only a stage. Abe has expressed himself well no matter he visits there or not. Maintaining vigilance toward Abe and his followers when they are preparing to cause provocations is the right decision.

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