In 1971, former German chancellor Willy Brandt rendered a "silent apology" at a monument in a former Jewish ghetto in Warsaw, winning his country international respect and praise. More than once, Germany has shown the world its determination to atone for its past war crimes and safeguard world peace. In contrast, Japan has shied away from even acknowledging its war crimes, let alone atoning for them.

Japan has never regretted invading other countries and massacring people before and during World War II. When Japan surrendered in World War II, its neighbors such as China and Korea had already suffered the horrors of Japanese aggression. After surrendering in the war, the only thing Japan has done is to play up to the United States to flex its muscles.

The conflict over the Diaoyu Islands between China and Japan has intensified in recent months. But Japan's neighbors are no longer weak, and Japan should realize that. China and the ROK will resolutely safeguard their territories. I hope Japan stops ignoring the fact that the Diaoyu Islands are an integral part of China's territory.

Di Lu, via e-mail

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(China Daily 10/16/2012 page9)