Commentary: China Must Ensure the Death of a Schoolboy Does Not Unravel Its Close Ties With Japan

The 43rd International Day of Peace will be commemorated worldwide on September 21, a holiday established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1981 and designated in 2001 to promote non-violence and ceasefires. This day urges nations and people to halt hostilities and engage in activities that foster peace, respect for life, human rights, and fundamental freedoms [para. 1]. It also serves as a reminder for nations to adhere to principles like liberty, justice, democracy, tolerance, solidarity, cooperation, diversity, dialogue, and understanding [para. 2].

This year, China hosted the 2024 International Day of Peace event in Jinan, Shandong province on September 19. Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, representing the Chinese government, emphasized the peaceful nature of Chinese civilization and its commitment to peaceful development. He cited President Xi Jinping’s initiatives to build a global community with a shared future, encompassing development, security, and civilization, which boost confidence and momentum for global peace and prosperity [para. 3][para. 4]. Han also reiterated China's role as a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council and a significant player in the Global South, committed to a multipolar world, inclusive economic globalization, global peace, and development [para. 5].

Despite these efforts, global peace remains tenuous. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine is entering its third winter, while the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has resulted in over 40,000 casualties since October 2022. Tensions between Hezbollah and Israel are heightened by recent explosions in Lebanon that caused casualties among Hezbollah members and bystanders [para. 6]. Meanwhile, Asia, particularly China, enjoys a relatively peaceful environment, emphasizing the importance of maintaining this through mutual trust and continual dialogue [para. 7]. In Northeast Asia, peace is dependent on understanding between China, Japan, South Korea, and the stability of the Korean Peninsula [para. 8].

Recently, the ninth trilateral summit involving China, Japan, and South Korea occurred after a four-and-a-half-year break, aiming to fill the cultural exchange gap caused by the pandemic and deepen cooperation [para. 9]. Public concern has recently focused on Sino-Japanese relations. During his August visit to China, Toshihiro Nikai, a senior member of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party, advocated for enhanced research and exchange programs among young students, a proposal welcomed by China [para. 10][para. 11]. Wang Yi, a Chinese Politburo member, emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence and cooperation between China and Japan, benefiting both nations and aligning with their people's interests [para. 12]. China’s strategic efforts aim to foster a stable and mutually beneficial relationship with Japan, crucial for regional peace and economic stability [para. 13].

In addition to security, the trilateral cooperation between China, Japan, and South Korea holds potential in energy transformation, R&D collaboration, and addressing demographics [para. 14]. However, a recent tragic incident involving the killing of a Japanese student in Shenzhen disrupted the positive atmosphere. Authorities are providing necessary assistance and investigating the case, reaffirming China’s commitment to transparency and justice [para. 15][para. 17].

This incident underscores the need for upholding principles of compassion and justice, rejecting divisive views, and fostering mutual understanding [para. 19]. As the International Day of Peace approaches, UNESCO's reminder that the defenses of peace must be built in the minds of people is more relevant than ever. Small acts of kindness and communal solidarity are essential in promoting peace globally, even in challenging times [para. 20].

Xu Heqian, an international news editor at Caixin Media, highlights these issues [para. 21].

Contact: editor Lu Zhenhua (zhenhualu@caixin.com) [para. 22].