Less Toxic Relations Between Japan and China

Any incident can trigger old animosities between China and Japan, wartime opponents early in the previous century. The latest incident is 10 Japanese people falling ill after eating pesticide-tainted gyoza, or dumplings, made in China. Despite such controversies, both Japanese and Chinese leaders have made “huge strides” in improving relations during recent months, writes David Pilling for the Financial Times. Indeed, the gyoza incident itself revealed mutual respect: Japan allowed Chinese investigators into the country, and China swiftly investigated complaints. Relations have improved so much that the two nations could be near to reaching agreement on sharing gas reserves in the East China Sea. A relationship based on economics can lead to political cooperation, and Pilling notes that thoughtful governments can transform any problem into a “force for reconciliation rather than division.” – YaleGlobal