A Japanese military plane to China?

It’s a common fallacy that China’s government is not responsive to its people.

On certain issues, officials are very responsive. You can see it in the way they maneuver around issues, afraid of arousing a public reaction.

This came to mind today as I watched Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang discuss the prospect that China would allow a Japanese military plane to deliver earthquake relief supplies. If this happens, it would be the first time Japanese military planes touched down in China since World War II.

The act would be hugely symbolic. It’s also a potential lightning rod issue. It wouldn’t take much to get mobs in the streets on this matter if Beijing doesn’t play its cards right. Japan occupied a huge portion of China from the 1930s until Tokyo was defeated by the Allies in 1945.

That’s why Qin chose his words carefully as the Japanese reporters grilled him a few hours ago at a twice-a-week press briefing.

Qin noted that some countries (the United States, for one) had used military aircraft to deliver quake relief already, and that Japan’s offer had been received. “We are sincerely thankful for this,” he said.

He said the respective defense ministries in Tokyo and Beijing were discussing the specifics of how to deliver Japanese aid, which would likely be delivered in a C-130 cargo aircraft. The aid is likely to include tents and blankets.

A Japanese reporter asked him how he responded to angry postings on the internet by Chinese about the prospect of Japanese warplanes landing in China.

“As I said, for the support of the Japanese government and people to the affected areas, we express our thanks. We are totally thankful,” Qin said, adding that the foreign ministry doesn’t control China’s media so can’t respond to what they publish.

The fact is, Japanese aircraft bombed the area of Sichuan near where the May 12 earthquake struck during the war. If a Japanese plane can come in peace now, it would be a major sign of improving ties between the two countries _ even if it is hard for many Chinese to stomach.

Comments

[Wilbur Varela]

Everyone on the planet has ancestors who harmed someone else's ancestors. We can hate the world for the past, or learn from it. The war is over. The people of Japan and China are in a different place. Let us come together in wisdom and peace. We share the same planet. As good neighbors often do, when there is a fire next door, help to put it out. In this way, humanity will survive.

[A B]

It is alright, just have everyone in the reception delegation whisper the Colonel March quietly when they receive the JDF aircraft.

Not so many years ago in the 1970s, the tune was just casually selected by the band receiving the Japanese Prime Minister on an official visit to Canada.

Even in Canada, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can orchestrate, but the Canadian Armed Forces band had to "play along".

Play along they did...

[A B]

That should read:

JSDF instead of JDF.

and Colonel March should read:

Colonel Bogey March.

as in the music on "The Bridge over the River Kwai".

[jeff]

Japanese shares an island-ized version of Chinese culture. I do believe the two country will eventually come together. But it will all depends on how American thinks about it. As far as the relief efforts, Chinese are not ready to have Japanese military aircrafts in their territory yet. The US military aircrafts are different. Chinese and American were ally during WWII.

[jeff]

A B

You got to love this youtube about Sharon Stone.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWTiH002jAk

What the hack. She apologized. And I put her picture back.

[A B]

@Jeff,

You counter-revolutionary running dog of the Imperialist!

How dare you put her picture back?

I am going to whisper in the Chairman's ear that you betrayed the revolution and watch him turn in his Mausoleum.

Let me hop on the subway and get going... Chairman Mao is only 45 minutes away from me.

[jeff]

A B

"You counter-revolutionary running dog of the Imperialist!"

I almost forgot these revolutionary style slogan.

[A B]

@jeff

Maybe you are a rightist revisionist too!

I am telling the Chairman on you.

[jeff]

A B

Hahaha...

Reserve your energy and take it easy, or you won't be able to return home from "Hainan Dao" (You know what people used to say).

[RV]

I had the same thought as Sharon Stone. The Gods are angry at the chinese for the way they treat the Tibetan people, and for trying to kill our pets and kids with cheap products loaded with lead.

[A B]

@jeff

Further investigation reveal that you have a bad class background, being landlords for generations, and you are associated with cultists who live nearby that practice FLG.

There is also evidence you were a construction and materials contractor who built Schools in Sichuan, and you are probably that official that got out of the car and wacked some kid at a hospital.

You are going to be branded "enemy of the people" and sent to a labor camp for life.

[jeff]

RV

Many Tibetans were killed and injured in this earthquake. And another minority ethnic group "Qiang" closely related to Tibetans was hit hardest. There are only 200,000 of them. They lived in the epicenter. At least show some respect for them.

[jeff]

A B

Haha

I guess you were inspired by Grandpa Mao after you paid visit to him. Seriously, you grown up in China?

[nanheyangrouchuan]

There was a story that the Japanese are going to use charter aircraft instead of military transports so people don't get freaked out.

[A B]

@jeff

Well, that is a long question to answer.

[Tim J]

NH, that is correct. Japan announced Friday that it would use chartered civilian aircraft, rather than Japan Self-Defense Force planes, to deliver the aid.

[A B]

Um... did someone tell China that the military transports Japan wanted to use is a Made in USA C-130 manufactured by Lockheed?

For history buffs, Lockheed is the maker of the P-38s that successfully intercepted a "Betty" bomber carrying Admiral Ishko Yamamoto, the architect of war with the USA, who was killed in the raid.

So more than likely, the cargo is going to be delivered by chartered Boeings, which have the distinction of being the manufacturer of the B-29 (delivered the atom bombs and numerous firebomb raids, etc.

Sigh... Lighten up China!