By Zachary Keck
In recent years, China has significantly hardened its stance on Japan acknowledging its imperial past. Why?
As Shannon notes over at China Power, July 7 marks the 77th anniversary since the start of the Second Sino-Japanese War. Not surprisingly, China and President Xi Jinping are marking the occasion in high fashion.
Normally, the Pacific Realist prefers to steer clear of the history debates plaguing the Asia-Pacific. As an American, I naturally have an aversion to history. Still, I more than understand Korea and China’s anger about Imperial Japan’s unspeakable aggression. And, while I also understand Japan’s growing annoyance at the fact that repeated apologies have earned it little acceptance by its neighbors, I think the Abe administration would do well to stop drudging up distant history.
Nonetheless, it is indisputable (if often unspoken) that China in particular has changed its position on Japan’s history over time. Nowhere is this more evident than on the issue of visits to the Yasukuni Shrine. In the past, Japanese leaders visited the Yasukuni Shrine frequently. Emperor Hirohito decided to stop visiting the shrine in 1978 after class-A war criminals were enshrined at the site. Since then, no Japanese emperor has visited the shrine.
Read the full story at The Diplomat