China – Korea – Japan International Summer School 2008
Instructor:

Prof. Tsuneo AKAHA

Student:.Soong, Chun Yen (Andrew) 4007R335-1

Email:

andrew0303@hotmail.com

Date:

August 22nd, 2008

Thoughts on Summer School 2008
Overall, the summer school program was thought-provoking,educational, and at the same time has stimulated communication among theparticipating students, thus led to future friendships. After participating in theChina-Korea-Japan Summer School 2008, it is fair to say that I have gained
better understanding on the differences and similarities among the students andmyself. East Asia as a region, where is believed to increase in importance inregional integration and interaction in the near future. As a result, to familiarize
with the general public in the 3 countries is as essential to understand thegovernment policies and national interests in the region. Being the only student
from Taiwan, I was able to interpret from the others’ viewpoints of Taiwan Strait
issue, and as well as to observe the China-Korea-Japan relation in a relatively
subjective stand.
My interpretation of how the others in Northeast Asia viewing Taiwan
issue was rather reluctant especially among the Korean and Japanese students
1because the issue do not pose a direct effect upon them. However, myviewpoints have changed since many students have showed interest indiscussions in class and off-campus. As a few Chinese professors stating in thelectures in Shanghai, the Taiwan Strait issue is viewed as internal threat to theChinese government; however, it is definitely an external threat on theTaiwanese perspective. The Mainland China and Taiwan dilemma has been anindefinite issue, which has yet to be resolved since the Chinese Civil War during
the mid 20th century. At present day, the unclear situation between the tworegions directly affects the domestic economic growth in Mainland China andTaiwan. This uneasy relationship also increases the concerns of theirtrade-partner countries, including Japan, Korea, and as well as the United States.
The tensed atmosphere creates uncertainties to the Small and Medium
Enterprises (SMEs), Non-governmental Organizations (NGO), and Foreign
Direct Investments (FDI); which all play essential roles in supporting theeconomics in both China and Taiwan.
The ideal solution to the One-China Policy may fall on the peacefulconsensus between the two parties; however, it is against the will of a great
percentage of the Taiwanese public and the Democratic Progressive Party2

(DPP) in Taiwan. On the other hand, the independence of Taiwan might very well
provoke the military invasion of the Chinese government and lead to another
Chinese Civil War, which is also not desired by Japan and the United States andas well as the majority of Taiwanese . If the Mainland China and Taiwan issue
lingers on for another few decades, the X, Y, and Z generations may be thedynamic bearer to the relationship. As a result, it is essential to understand theopinions of the people, since they may be the ones who decide their own destiny
in both mainland China and Taiwan. However, after the lectures in Shanghai, I
have observed the national interest represented by Chinese professors, and I
highly doubted that a peaceful reunification can be implemented in the near
future. The national pride seemed strong among the Chinese professors andsome students, thus the emotional factors can create conflict between themainland Chinese and Taiwanese. As a result, remaining status quo may seempassive yet may still be the most ideal solution to the Taiwan issue at themoment.
Visiting Yasukuni Shrine in Japan was another essential feature of thesummer school. As professor Akaha mentioned in class, to improve understatingof China-Korea-Japan relationship, it is vital to appreciate the fruitful side of each3

nation, as well as the less-pleasant historical paradox and conflicts. The dead ofJapan is praised and honored in a nationalistic way that seemed difficult to beaccepted by the general public of China and Korea. I personally think that theChinese and Korean governments should begin to educate the youngsters ineach nation not to stress on the sentiment created by the wars in the past, but
looking forward to opportunities and mutual prosperity in the region. People’s
believe may change overtime; similar to slavery, imperialism may be tolerant in
the past, yet wartime ideology does not dominant at present Japanese society.
However, I feel there is improvement that could be applied in the exhibition in
Yasukuni Shrine museum. The desire for peaceful integration with neighboring
countries can be observed in the Japanese society today; therefore,peace-making approaches implemented by Japanese government should also
be stressed in the exhibition. The desire for war has diminished, and how Japan
can play a peace-making role in the region could be showcased with the currentexhibitions. War is an extreme measure of national conflicts; a lesson can belearned in Japan and colonized nations. As a result, youngsters in Japan and as
well as foreigners visiting Yasukuni Shrine and museum can be educated in amore constructive viewpoint on the dark side of China-Korea-Japan relationship.

4Participating in the lectures conducted in Shanghai, Tokyo, and Seoul, I
have observed a rather unenthusiastic focus on environmental protection
measures in the region. Professors in the 3 countries tend to stress oninterregional economic developments, national security issues, and politicalpolicies. However, yellow dust blowing in the northern China and affecting Korea
and Japan sporadically in the springtime is as a phenomenon or issue in acountry that has a regional influence. Carbon dioxide emission in a country has
an even greater negative affect led to global warming beyond regionalboundaries. Japan, as the most technological advanced country in the region,
relatively puts more emphasis on environmental protection coping with thecurrent trend. Therefore, a transformed flying-geese effect; the implementationof know-how to support and assist neighboring countries would be an interesting
topic as a lecture during the summer school.
To sum up, I sincerely appreciate the effort of all the staff members andprofessors, and as well as the proactive attitude of each and every participant. In
my opinion, the China-Korea-Japan summer school has been one of the mostenjoyable yet educational summer breaks. As I result, I put faith and look forward5into Northeast Asia to prosper and a profound regional integration.

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