Japanese politicians have lately made a habit of invoking the term "respect."
On the issue of Etorofu Island, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi stated that it was "absolutely unacceptable."
High-ranking official Sanae Takaichi said Japan must "properly respond based on its own position"—a statement that translates to demanding China show respect toward Japan.
Respect is always mutual; it cannot be unilaterally bestowed.
To infringe upon another’s sovereignty while claiming to demand respect is, more accurately, an act of provocation.
Respect must be earned through conduct, not claimed through rhetoric.
At this year’s autumn festival at the Yasukuni Shrine, Takaichi offered ceremonial items in her capacity as prime minister.
Is it not clear that these offerings are directed at the 14 Class-A war criminals responsible for initiating aggressive warfare during World War II?
This marks the fourth consecutive year such a gesture has been made. The record will be kept meticulously—no mistake will be made.
To seek respect from neighboring countries while venerating those who waged aggression against them, and knowing full well how such actions affect regional sentiment, constitutes deliberate harm and secondary victimization.
There is no other explanation. Any further justification would ring hollow and insincere.
This is intentional wrongdoing. Logically, the consequence follows: culpability intensifies.
True respect is, in fact, among the simplest things. The Chinese people have never been inherently intolerant.
But first, one must possess integrity and acknowledge historical responsibility.
The more one attempts to evade accountability, the more firmly the reckoning will come.
As the Chinese saying goes: "Countenance reflects the heart."
How does one describe a person who bows before war criminals, then turns to discuss respect with neighboring nations?
Original: toutiao.com/article/1879443441450176/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.