Editorial: Resentment of past not justification for violence

In recent weeks, relations between China and Japan have taken a
turn for the worse as the two nations have traded barbs over
Japan’s role in World War II and their place in the United
Nations.

The situation has devolved into a sad reminder of the fragility
of international peace and cooperation.

The dispute initially arose when Japan began to lobby for a
permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council but almost
simultaneously approved a new junior high school textbook that
simplifies Japan’s involvement during World War II.

In response, the Chinese government demanded an official apology
from Japan while tens of thousands of Chinese citizens took to the
streets protesting against the country. Amid the chaos, several
Japanese nationals were attacked by mobs, and the Japanese Embassy
sustained damage.

Now, the leaders of both nations are refusing to back down and
both are demanding apologies from the other.

Here in the United States the situation has slowly crept into
the news and the streets ““ about 500 people protested
Japan’s Security Council bid in New York on Friday.

We can only hope the debate in the United States remains
constructive. It’s one thing to have strong opinions about
history, but it’s not appropriate to let anger about the past
lead to violence in the future.