Japan, Asia can move on only by putting aside historical baggage

While the writer of “China’s behaviour highlights value of US-Japan security pact” (Jan 4) offers a perspective from Japan’s side, we must be mindful that memories of hurt remain vivid to many people in Asia.

To seek closure, when one has lost dear ones or suffered humiliation caused by the aggressor, is difficult.

We have witnessed how United States President Barack Obama’s and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s respective visits to Hiroshima and Pearl Harbour brought healing to those hurt.

They were sincere gestures that reached out to the other side. Their symbolism turns a page so that all can move on. Perhaps a Japanese head of state could reach out to people in Asia with similar gestures.

Germany has apologised and come to terms with its past with its neighbours. This has not stopped it from re-emerging as a power in Europe.

It has not become less of a people or nation by saying sorry. In fact, it has gained respect.

It is also imperative that the young from all sides learn accurate accounts of what happened in the war, so as not to fall folly to hegemonic expansionism.

The territorial issues between China and its neighbours are no different from the issues Japan has with Russia and South Korea. Japan disputes sovereignty over the Northern Territories/Kuril islands with Russia and over the Takeshima/Dokdo islets with South Korea.

Every country is principled in serving its own interests. All the countries concerned are equally entitled to seek redress through legitimate, peaceful means and resolve the issues.

To cast the value of the US-Japan security pact as a check against China is one perspective, albeit a skewed one. China has never been hegemonic in recent history, not even at the height of its reign.

Perhaps some quarters are projecting what China would do when it becomes powerful, just as how they themselves were when they were powerful. I think rapprochement and peace can be achieved if we take the other side’s perspective in earnest.

In this way, peace begins with us. We can move on only when we put aside our historical baggage.