Your are right, Nihonjin San
Even China and Japan has tension for many years, both sides realize the necessity to improve relationship.
It will benefit both side from political and economy side.
Yet our Vietnam friends don`t realize that...
Vietnam is a small nation, compared to the Giant that is China. But it is important to remember that because of their history of being invaded many times by foreigners, and fighting wars with foreigners, they have developed a sense of excessive defensiveness. From their history, they were fighting the Champa people, the Khmers, the Lao, the Siamese, then they fought with the Mongols, then even the Chinese, then the French, then the Japanese, then the Americans. Throughout their history --- it has been defined by constant wars. So it is understandable their national psyche, and as partners (Japan and China are partners with Vietnam), we have to be understanding of that aspect.
But seriously,
@hans - sama. No way is it even realistic for China or Vietnam to sacrifice development and regional peace to fight over uninhabitable islands. Sure there may be some natural resources there, but its worth is not equivalent to the $60 Billion worth of Trade between China and Vietnam per annum. Only the foolish right wingers who care not for the overall majority would be as obtuse in thinking.
China is growing, its economy is ballooning. The standard of living for over 800 million Chinese have been elevated from poverty to middle standard now. And its improving every year. A war in the region will lead to regional instability and the 1.4 billion Chinese who's standard of living is just improving will be sacrificed. The same goes for our friends in Vietnam who are just starting to improve.
We must be pragmatic and focus on growth. Afterall, Vietnam is part of the Greater East Asian Family. They are similar to us East Asians. We cannot think of killing our fellow kin.
definitely, our modernization is quite astonishing but there's still room for improvement.
