Editorial: Seize the Time

Trying to build cooperation among sovereign states is never easy, and one thing is clear: When conditions are good --- for whatever reasons --- take advantage of that opportunity to build as much cooperation as possible because, inevitably, times will change.

Now is one of those moments. Abe Shinzo travelled to China as his first overseas initiative as prime minister, and he was welcomed by China’s leaders. In August, Yomiuri Shimbun, Japan’s largest circulation newspaper published its independent assessment of Japan’s wartime responsibility. In October, the Policy Council of the Japan Forum on International Relations, an organization of prominent academics and former officials, published nine clear policy recommendations for improving Japan’s relations with China. In Hanoi last week, Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing from China and Foreign Minister Aso Taro from Japan confirmed that a joint committee for historical research, comprised of ten experts from each country, would hold its first meeting next month. Finally, the six-party talks on North Korea are scheduled to reconvene next month, providing an excellent opportunity for Japan and China to cooperate on a strategic problem of great importance to both.

So many things can be done: if there is reciprocity (e.g., an apology given on the condition that it is accepted by the other party); or after identifying substantial mutual, material benefit (e.g., joint development of energy resources in the East China Sea).

Seize the time!