Ex-official dampens China-Japan war speculation

BEIJING - A war is not a rational and realistic solution for problems between China and Japan, said a national political advisor and former defense ministry official here on Sunday.

Tension behind China and Japan may currently be high amid some speculation of armed conflict between the nations, but Qian Lihua, a member of the 12th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said "It is not rational or true that China and Japan are doomed to fight a war."

"A military solution is the last resort to settle problems. We should not talk about war and military actions in such a careless way when the two countries just have problems."

China values its relations with Japan and has always targeted settling disputes peacefully through dialogue, said Qian, who used to head the foreign affairs office under the Ministry of National Defense.

"Once we sit down and talk, there will always be a way out," the official added.

However, Qian also warned that, if Japan goes too far in the wrong direction and turns to irrational resorts, Chinese armed forces would have to react.

The current tension between China and Japan over the Diaoyu Islands has been caused by irresponsible actions taken by the Japanese government, according to Qian.

Japan has not realized its mistake and instead has made it worse by politicians throwing out tough words and spreading comments on "threats from China," he said.

"These are irresponsible for people of both countries. They should eat what they plant," he said.