The warship and guided-missile destroyer, Shenzhen, left its home port in Guangdong Province; and was due to arrive in Japan, on November 28, for a four-day visit at the invitation of the Japanese Navy. This is in commemoration of the 35th anniversary of normalizing diplomatic relations between China and Japan. It is also the new Chinese navy's first visit to Japan.
Since last year, Chinese and Japanese leaders have successfully exchanged upper-level visits to their respective countries and have improved bilateral political relations. It is in this context that the "Shenzhen" Warship sets sail for Japan; and aims for a breakthrough in Chinese-Japanese military exchanges since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. Common sense in international relations tells us that military exchanges between countries is often a "barometer" that reflects a warming of political relations. Thus, the upgrade in military exchanges between China and Japan demonstrates improving political relations between the countries.
Since the beginning of this century, Chinese-Japanese relations have undergone a torturous course of development. Despite continuous economic, trade and cultural exchanges and cooperation, political factors have gotten in the way of bilateral military exchanges. The two armies have never exchanged warship visits before. China's defense minister also paid a visit to Japan for the first time in nine years. It is well known that China and Japan are neighboring countries that have a significant impact on Asia. Today, international military diplomacy has become increasingly active. But the two have made too few military exchanges in the meantime. The first Chinese warship's visit to Japan was not only a prelude to the mutual visits of warships between two armies; but also sends a profound message to the two countries' people.
Thirty-five years of developing Sino-Japanese diplomatic relations has proven that the two countries must enhance mutual trust in order to maintain stable bilateral relations. Mutual trust is a deciding factor for developing bilateral military relations. With this in mind, China and Japan must focus on expanding mutual trust in order to expand military exchanges and invigorate the improvement of bilateral relations.
And to achieve this, they need to address three issues.
First, the two countries must look at history honestly. Historical problems have had a far stronger impact on the 35 years of developing bilateral relations than any other factor. As a result, courage is necessary for a mutually beneficial relationship and strategic trust.
Second, the two countries must face reality with sincerity. For various reasons, China and Japan have certain conflicts of interest on certain issues, such as island ownership and maritime delimitation disputes. These contradictions and differences are quite normal within international relations. For both sides, it is important to be pragmatic and engage in dialogue to find a proper solution to these problems.
Third, the two should focus on the future. China and Japan have set their target on constructing a strategically mutual, beneficial relationship. The two, therefore, need to focus on the future; eliminate interference; and create an atmosphere friendly to developing of bilateral relations.
The "Shenzhen" Warship's visit to Japan is of great significance and far-reaching influence. The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force warship will also visit China shortly thereafter. It is even worth hoping that Chinese and Japanese leaders will hold a new round of official visits soon. This would promote exchanges and the development of military relations. Moreover, it would foster and safeguard the peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region – or even in the entire world.
(The author Wang Baofu is deputy director and researcher of Institute of Strategic Studies of the National Defense University)
|
Comment
Tell A Friend
Print Format
Save Article