Dear Editor
[This is a letter from Ambassador Yutaka Yoshizawa, Ambassador of Japan to Namibia residing in Pretoria, South Africa, in response to an article published in New Era newspaper].
Chinese Ambassador Xin Shunkang’s criticisms in his lengthy article on 21 January 2014 is considered a part of China’s global campaign to degrade Japan. Although I do not believe that China’s groundless and irresponsible comments will be taken seriously I am compelled to state Japan’s position regarding the points that have been raised.
Prime Minister Abe extensively explained his thoughts in his statement entitled ‘Pledge for everlasting peace’ dated 26 December 2013, the day he visited the Yasukuni Shrine. The statement clearly shows that the Chinese Ambassador’s characterization does not reflect the Prime Minister’s intention. In that statement, Prime Minister Abe clearly said, ‘some people criticize the visit to Yasukuni as paying homage to war criminals, but the purpose of my visit today… is to renew the pledge that Japan must never wage a war again.’ He also stated, ‘it is not my intention at all to hurt the feelings of the Chinese and Korean people. It is my wish to respect each other’s character, protect freedom and democracy, and build friendship with China and South Korea with respect.’
I also want to point out that the Yasukuni Shrine is home to approximately 2.46 million souls who made the ultimate sacrifice for their nation, not only during World War Ⅱ, but also during domestic turmoil and other wars since 1853. The observation that Japan does not face the past is simply incorrect. Japan has been facing the past squarely. Successive Japanese governments have expressed feelings of deep remorse and heartfelt apology on a number of occasions. This position is firmly upheld by the Abe government. Ambassador Xin’s reference to chemical weapons left in China by the Japanese military during WW Ⅱ does not reflect the current situation. Japan has been engaged in the destruction of these weapons with enormous efforts, in accordance with the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). For over 68 years since the end of WW II, Japan, as a free and democratic country, which respects human rights and the rule of law, has been working relentlessly for world peace, as well as supporting the welfare and development of other countries, including those in the African continent and also China. I believe that this fact should be duly appreciated.
On the other hand, China has been increasingly aggressive towards neighbouring countries recently, as shown by the unilateral announcement of its Air Defense Identification Zone. Under the circumstances, Japan believes it is very important to have high-level dialogues between the two countries in order to discuss issues of mutual concern. China so far seems to be reluctant to engage in dialogue, despite repeated calls by the Japanese side. I sincerely hope that there will soon be dialogues at the highest levels between the two counties with a view to further strengthening bilateral cooperation and promoting cooperation for the peace and prosperity of the world.
Yours sincerely,
Yutaka Yoshizawa
Ambassador of Japan to Namibia residing in Pretoria, South Africa