Thu, Oct 12, 2000 page8

• Editorial: A wolf in sheep's clothing

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  Any Japanese with a decent memory should remember how Chinese President Jiang Zemin (江澤民) angrily yelled at the audience of a seminar during his tour of Japan two years ago. They should also remember how he showed up at a banquet given by the Japanese emperor in his honor wearing a "Mao uniform" as if it were white tie and tails. Above all, they should remember how he repelled the Japanese people with his repeated emphasis of "historical perception."

  Jiang's visit not only failed to reach its goal of promoting friendly ties, it worsened Sino-Japanese relations, which have been on a downhill slide for the last two years. Perhaps we should call it China's second instance of "humiliation diplomacy" -- to match the 1919 diplomatic humiliation that triggered the May 4th movement. But this time around, the mess was created by China's head of state himself.

  It is too soon to tell whether we will see a repeat of that scene during Premier Zhu Rongji's (朱鎔基) visit, which begins today. This worry may not be totally groundless, for we all know that Zhu's trip is designed to patch up the holes that Jiang left behind. Certainly, Zhu is striking a low-key attitude and seems to be brimming with goodwill. But we would like to point out that if Zhu cannot get rid of the "Chinese nationalist fundamentalism" that appears to be latent in his subconscious, if he continues to exhibit a persecution complex -- imagining that foreign countries see China as some fearful monster -- more head-of-state diplomacy will not salvage China's image or promote friendly relations.

  Apart from historical disputes, the current frictions between China and Japan also include quite a few practical issues, almost all of which have to do with either national security (the new US-Japan security guidelines, the Theater Missile Defense system, the encroachment of Chinese naval vessels into Japanese sea territory, the 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone) or economic aid (low-interest loans, the development of western China). China suffered considerable setbacks after Jiang's visit hardened Sino-Japanese relations. Beijing also created a large number of enemies in both the Diet and among the Japanese populace, further jeopardizing bilateral negotiations and reducing the chances for resolving practical issues.

  Sensing this disadvantage, Zhu began his PR campaign well ahead of his trip. He reportedly may even appear before a live TV audience while in Japan to answer questions. Obviously, he is trying to create a friendly image by bowing much lower than usual.

  However, we would like to remind our friends in Japan not to be mislead by Zhu's performance or an illusion of affinity. They would do well to recall his menacing countenance as he thundered at the Taiwanese people on March 15 -- just a few days before our presidential election. It's hard to believe today's Zhu is the same person who threatened Taiwan a mere seven months ago -- unless he is schizophrenic.

  Zhu is flirting in Japan today because China needs help from the Japanese government. However, the main reason for China's many problems today and its endless disputes with various countries -- a communist system and a political style that runs counter to accepted international values -- remains unchanged. If Zhu does not try to understand the real reasons behind China's current situation, but instead continues to curry favor with nationalists at home, then his visit will fail.
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