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Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

Aso as Japan's foreign minister must dispel Asian concerns

Foreign Minister Aso Taro, a stanch supporter of Prime Minister Koizumi Jun'ichiro's visits to Yasukuni Shrine, is repeatedly criticizing China and South Korea for opposing Koizumi's visits to the shrine.

Endorsing Yasukuni Shrine's justification of the past war of aggression as a war for the country's "self-defense and survival" and for the "liberation of Asia" cannot get international approval. It is a matter of course that international criticism has arisen because it threatens the foundation of the post-war international order.

Soon after his assumption to office, Aso publicly began to speak in support of Koizumi's visits to the shrine, arguing, "Only China and South Korea see Yasukuni Shrine as the problem" (November 26).

Concerning the breakdown of Japan-China talks, Aso commented, "The Chinese are unwilling to meet us" (Jiji Press interview of December 23), as if China is to blame for the breakdown of the talks. Furthermore, Aso spoke in favor of Democratic Party of Japan President Maehara Seiji referring to China as a "real threat" (December 22).

Although the Japanese prime minister's visits to Yasukuni Shrine are aggravating relations with China, Aso keeps attacking China by trying to replace the core of the problem with other issues. It is impossible to see any sign of trying to put matters right and improve the Japan-China ties.

What's more, he said, "China and South Korea are not the only Asian countries" (December 7). Many Asian countries, however, are expressing their concern about the deteriorating Japan-China relations over the question of Yasukuni Shrine. Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, host of the 11th ASEAN Summit, called for Japan-China relations to be improved (December 13). Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo also said that she "shares the concern."

As an official in charge of directing the nation's diplomacy, Aso must fulfill his responsibility to get rid of Asian countries' concerns.
- Akahata, December 25, 2005