After Yasukuni gesture, sincere actions needed

                     By Da Zhigang Source:Global Times Published: 2016/8/21 19:58:40

                                                                              
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe reshuffled his cabinet on August 3 and appointed Tomomi Inada to take on the defense minister portfolio replacing Gen Nakatani. Inada, the former head of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's Policy Research Council, is Japan's second female defense minister after Yuriko Koike, who held the post under the administration of Koizumi Junichiro.
Given Inada's unscrupulous right-wing remarks and high-profile gesture in repeatedly visiting the Yasukuni Shrine, which honors 14 class-A convicted WWII criminals, Abe's intention in appointing her as defense minister is worth worrying about. In the wake of series of moves such as lifting the ban on collective self-defense and passing new security bills, how will Japan recalibrate its defense policy? And how will the country tackle Northeast Asian geopolitical security affairs? 
On August 15, anniversary of Japan's WWII defeat, Inada, who most people thought would definitely visit the Yasukuni Shrine, didn't show up. Why did the Abe cabinet act with restraint this time? What changed? What kind of Sino-Japanese relations will Abe pursue in his remaining years? Will bilateral relations that are entangled in territorial disputes, historical feuds and geopolitical interests still on a bumpy road or will a new way be worked out that will tally with the interests of both?
As far as I am concerned, we should be both optimistic and vigilant about the future China-Japan relationship. 
From the perspective of geopolitics, the China-Japan relationship transcends their bilateral relationship, as it is of vital importance for the stability and prosperity of Northeast Asia, the Asia-Pacific region, and even the whole world.
Economically, promoting and upgrading economic and trade cooperation between the two is not only beneficial to advance the balanced development of the China-initiated "Belt and Road" plan, but will be decisive regarding whether Abenomics will succeed or not. It's very certain that no matter whether Japan increasingly reduces its dependence on Chinese economy, it cannot shy away from Chinese influence to walk out of the mire of deflation.
Taking into consideration diplomatic pressure and public opinion in countries including China as well as the opposition of domestic peace advocates, Abe and his follower Inada made a concession regarding the Yasukuni Shrine visit. This doesn't mean they have given up their conservative political ideas and made the right choice about upholding the correct historical views.
But at least it indicates Abe and his cabinet have opted for a flexible and practical China policy, which is likely to help improve and stabilize China-Japan relations.
Nonetheless, the contentious nature of the bilateral relationship remains unchanged. It seems that conflicts, be they already existing ones or newly triggered ones, will emerge in one way or the other. Bilateral relations will be by no means smooth. 
Besides, both Abe and Inada avoided the Yasukuni visit on August 15. They made concessions in order to gain more advantages. By lowering their stance on the historical issue, they aim at getting more out of the upcoming G20 summit, soliciting higher support for constitutional amendments, and gaining more benefits from the Chinese market.
China and Japan both gain from peaceful coexistence and lose due to conflicts. The prospect of the bilateral relationship hinges on wisdom of the politicians, the rationality of the public and frank communication between both countries. We hope Abe could have sincerity in developing the mutually beneficial strategic relations, rather than merely adopting a temporary expedient for instant gains. 
The author is director of the Institute of Northeast Asian Studies, Heilongjiang Provincial Academy of Social