The article by the Chinese Ambassador (January 8) consists of an extremely biased and distorted representation about the visit to Yasukuni Shrine by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

While I am convinced that such groundless propaganda and slander against an elected leader of a free society is not at all convincing for the people of Malta, I wish to briefly outline some facts that should contribute to deeper understanding of and fair evaluation by the readers about recent tensions in East Asia. In Yasukuni Shrine, about 2.5 million souls of those who made ultimate sacrifices for their nation between 1853 and World War II are commemorated regardless of their gender or rank. On his recent visit there, the Japanese Prime Minister made a statement, which he called ‘Pledge for everlasting peace’.

He said his visit was made to pay his respects and pray for the souls of the war dead and to renew the pledge that Japan shall never again wage war. It was by no means meant to pay homage to war criminals or to praise militarism.

He also declared that Japan created a free and democratic country and consistently walked the path of peace for the past 68 years.

Fundamental values of liberal democracy are deeply ingrained in the nation and there is no doubt whatsoever that Japan will continue to pursue this path.

Even China expressed its positive evaluation of Japan’s post-war record as a nation of peace in an official statement in 2008 after more than 60 visits to Yasukuni had been made by Japanese prime ministers since the end of WWII, with almost half taking place after it was made public in 1979 that 14 class A war criminals had been enshrined there in 1978. China began raising this issue from 1985, by which time 21 of these visits had gone unchallenged.

Has Japan suddenly turned militaristic within five years? Certainly not. Furthermore, the government of Japan has consistently made clear that it squarely faces history and expresses deep remorse and heartfelt apology. This stance is firmly upheld by the Abe government.

China should stop invoking the ghost of ‘militarism’

The ambassador also refers to the way Germany acted but it needs to be recognised that the post-war situation in Europe differed from East Asia’s. Also, the reconciliation of European countries was achieved through efforts on both sides. I am proud to say that Japan has played its part by making its utmost efforts in post-war years.

It is ironic that a country that has developed strategic nuclear weapons and increased its own annual military spending by double digits for the past 20 years should call its neighbour “militarist”.

China’s military budget is now the second largest in the world, more than twice that of Japan. Its attempt to change the status quo by force or coercion, instead of abiding by the rule of law, has raised grave concerns throughout the region.

Chinese government vessels repeatedly intrude into Japanese territorial waters surrounding the Senkaku Islands, which have been peacefully under Japan’s sovereignty for 120 years. China started to raise its territorial claims only in 1971 after scientific research had indicated a possibility of oil reserves nearby.

A Chinese destroyer even directed its fire-control radar at a Japanese vessel last year, which in normal naval practice might be regarded as an act of war.

China’s recent unilateral declaration of an air defence identification zone covering the islands is further escalating the tensions.

Even faced by these dangerous provocations, Japan has been exercising utmost restraint.

China may well have different views. This is why the two countries should meet and seek mutual understanding.

Although the Japanese Prime Minister stated that he strongly wishes to explain his thoughts directly to the Chinese leaders, China has so far refused the offer.

I sincerely hope that China will come forward, rather than keep invoking the ghost of “militarism” of seven decades ago, which no longer exists.

Masaharu Kohno is Ambassador of Japan to Malta