Netizens agree with Abe on China's patriotic education
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is obviously not the most popular person in China. But his recent criticism of China’s system of patriotic education has won him some support - amid angry responses - from Chinese netizens. They say Abe is right.
“In the case of China, teaching patriotism is also teaching anti-Japanese sentiment,” he said.
Abe argued that the Chinese government needed to have territorial disputes with Japan in order to win domestic support.
This single comment was ‘'liked' 6,635 times by Netease readers on Friday.
“How many Chinese did the Japanese kill? And how many Chinese were killed in political upheaval in China? And who should pay for their deaths?” asked one blogger, in a reference to 20th century Sino-Japanese history.
Despite netizens agreeing with Abe, an overwhelming number lashed out at his remarks.
“Abe, please tell me has Japan ever apologised for its war crimes committed in China?,” said a blogger.
“China’s anti-Japanese education is far from adequate,” said another.
Abe became Japan’s prime minister for a second time in December. He has promised a tougher diplomatic stance against Beijing.
