The Hindu : Opinion / Issues : "Unfair and misconceived"

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, May 18, 2005

Opinion

Opinion - Issues

"Unfair and misconceived"

— Japanese Embassy's response to editorial

Masato Takaoka, Minister (Political), Embassy of Japan, New Delhi, writes:

"While expressing deep respect for the high quality of your newspaper, I need to point out that the editorial "Japan backs off the indefensible" (April 23) lacks fairness and is based on serious misconception.

"The violent acts committed at a series of anti-Japan demonstrations in China are in no way justifiable. The editorial does not offer any explanation as to why it considers `the Japanese leadership displayed gross insensitivity.' The Chinese government is obliged under international law to take responsibility to ensure the life and safety of foreigners, guarantee the legal activities of foreign enterprises and protect diplomatic missions. The Chinese statements, which seemed to allow such violence, ignored the international rules and could hardly be the behaviour of a responsible government. The damage caused to our property was anything but `minor' as shown clearly by various news reports.

"The editorial also lacks in understanding on the Japanese textbook approval system. Textbooks are authored and edited by private entities and the government approves them to ensure that the books are appropriate in light of objective academic research. Unlike some other countries, the Japanese government does not offer a particular historical perspective.

"The statements like `through its provocative search for oil in disputed waters' and `a display of arrogance' are utterly one-sided. It is the Chinese side that is trying to proceed with exploration of mines in the East China Sea, which will have an impact on our legal position on demarcation of boundaries and may infringe on our sovereign and other rights.

"The statement that `in an attempt to push itself deeper under the superpower's protective umbrella, Japan recently offered to host additional U.S. military bases on its soil' is fictitious.

"True, a consultation process is under way between Japan and the United States on the review of the U.S. forces in Japan as in the same context of the reviews on the U.S. forces in Europe and in Korea. However we are yet to see the conclusion.

"We are considering ways and means to reduce the burden of the bases-related local communities while maintaining deterrence by the U.S. forces."

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