Islands of discord

17 September 2012 06:30 pm - 0 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

IT’S QUITE unbecoming of the Chinese to indulge in violence — and that took over an issue that concerns foreign relations and territorial disputes. But that is exactly what is happening with the communist giant, as protesters go on rampage destroying Japanese interests with impunity.

The row between the two countries over the disputed uninhabited islands in the Pacific now threatens to snowball into a regional conflagration.

Chauvinistic sentiments among the respective nations are acting as an obstacle to defusing the crisis, as governments feel obliged to toe a popular line of action.
Perhaps this is why Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has appealed for restraint and asked China to take steps to prevent violence, at least, against Japanese citizens.

Amazingly enough, protesters across China have specifically targetted Japanese brands — and gone to the extent of setting automobiles on fire after pulling out the drivers.

This prejudice is unwarranted and could derail congeniality that for long had been the prerogative of the Asia-Pacific region.

The islands, which have been a bone of contention for a long time, have now been blown up out of proportion, and it seems quite unlikely that the resentments can be toned down without asserting to genuine leadership.

The point worth considering is: are the protesters indulging in vandalism on their own or are their synergies being channelised by vested interests in the echelons of the Communist Party? It is a different ballgame in Beijing since the fall of Bo Xilai and party stalwarts have been looking for any excuse to whip up nationalism and distract public opinion from the skeletons rattling in the cupboard.

Tokyo’s decision to go ahead and buy these desolate pieces of real estate at the altar of regional peace and security hasn’t helped it in anyway.
What is sorely needed at this moment is a leadership summit in order to reach a renewed understanding on all intricate issues facing the two nations. Diligence and patience should prevail over Senkaku/Diaoyu islands.

Khaleej Times

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 0

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Islands of discord

Comments - 0

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Western purple-faced langurs see blue!

Most Viewed in News

Sri Lanka’s Rupee leads emerging markets in 1st quarter of 2024

Sri Lanka defaults on USD 6 billion payment despite rising reserves: Patali

Corporal from Air Force Rugby pool killed in police shootout

Suspicious death of 23-year-old woman at hotel sparks concerns

Confusion remains if April 15 is a bank holiday

23 year old youth ends up having his testicles removed

MIRROR CRICKET

How does CSK get best out of Pathirana?

Mendis, Mathews move up in ICC Test Rankings

Chamodi, Dewmi spins Sri Lanka U19 Women to big win

Amir, Wasim return to Pakistan national team

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Ruwan calls on Kotte Sri Kalyani Mahanayake Thera

Effectiveness of Sri Lanka’s legal system is questioned over alleged corruption: Chief Delegate

Public inconvenienced due to lack of transport

Ex-soldiers joining Russian military as mercenaries, Sri Lanka seeks details

Mendis, Mathews move up in ICC Test Rankings

Security raised for Champions League ties after threat

SLA target four events at Paris Olympic Games

Chamodi, Dewmi spins Sri Lanka U19 Women to big win