Professor Mineo Nakajima from Akita International University and an expert on China, delivered his thoughts to the AJS luncheon held on September 29th at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan. The topic was how to tackle recent Chinese issues. With a B.A. in China studies, an M.A. in international relations, and a Ph.D. in sociology, Professor Nakajima has been serving in the field of international relations, with a focus on contemporary China and Asia, in various important posts of academic and social organizations in and out of Japan. Among his many publications is Pekin Retsu Retsu (Beijing in Flux) which brought him the 1981 Suntory Academic Prize. In 2003, Professor Nakajima received the distinguished award of “Seiron” by the Sankei Newspaper.

Before tackling China and its many issues, one must understand the fundamentals of China including its history, tradition and culture. Professor Nakajima pointed out that what underlies today’s issues with China is that China believes in ‘the Chinese world order’, a type of regime where China considers its neighboring nations to be headed by China. China considers that in its perfect system, the nation would not need to import any foreign culture or any foreign spirit. Professor Nakajima said that this is why they import and utilize foreign ideas and technology but only the surface of foreign culture.

With an influx of foreign capital, China’s development is now disorganized. The areas visible from outside are being developed and decorated but the vast inside areas are still untapped and poor. Statistical data shows the actual situation. Despite eight to nine percent GDP growth over the past 20 years, China’s GDP is now only four percent of the world total. The gap between the rich and the poor is 100 to 1. Disorderly development of this type cannot continue because of the environmental destruction. Moreover, energy shortages have caused severe problems as well. These types of challenges are difficult to solve by the communist autocratic government.

This means that for China to catch up with developed nations, including Japan, it is very hard. The Japanese media should report on the facts of the economic situation in China more accurately. Western media write about China more shrewdly and critically, Professor Nakajima claimed.

Politically, the Chinese government uses its education system as a way to plant the idea that Japanese are evil. Professor Nakajima said the government directed the riot against Japan last April to stop Japan’s entrance as a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council. After they succeeded in interfering with the discussion on Japan, the government stopped the demonstrations.

Among the current political issues with China are textbooks, territory (Senkaku Islands), military buildup, etc. The Japanese government, especially the foreign ministry, should have a strategic vision to respond to these issues quickly and properly. Professor Nakajima claimed that they have always missed the timing. Advocating friendship diplomacy is not the only way to deal with these issues. This is the most important point to be considered. Learning lessons from the Sino-Japan chasm in the past years, Japan must rebuild its diplomatic ability, Professor Nakajima stressed.

In 2008, the Taiwanese presidential election will be held. China has passed an anti-secession law. Based on this law, China claims it has the right to attack Taiwan. The reason China opposes Japan’s becoming a U.N. Security Council member is due to the Taiwanese issue. If Taiwan becomes part of China, it will damage Japan critically. Realizing this, America is now watching China’s military buildup very closely.

In the East Asian community and in Southeast Asia, China is already
taking initiatives. Japan should take a geopolitical viewpoint, Professor Nakajima emphasized. Without considering cultural and geopolitical differences, building a community is impossible. Japan must also remember the fact that China and Korea are communist autocratic nations. The situation in Asia is different from Europe which has already ended the cold war and communist rule.

Japan should become a permanent member of Security Council, without facing interference. “We have enough reason for this,” Professor Nakajima affirmed. Japan has become a successful peaceful nation and is respected in the world. Japan has been contributing to the world peace tremendously, Professor Nakajima concluded.