Why China's help to Japan carrie's weight

This article gives a short overview of the symbolic importance of China's aid assistance to Japan despite long term anti-Japanese sediment that has permeated across China since the end of WWII. Especially in regards to lack of closure regarding war atrocities by Japanese soldiers on Chinese citizens in Nanjing during Japan's occupation of the territory. However, the symbolic movement by the CCP and local provinces poses the possibility of better future relations.

Th flooding of disaster aid from China has had mixed responses not only abroad but in the domestic realm as individuals are divided over historical grievances and the opportunity to payback Japan for past aid. The symbolic move by China's government and citizens despite many cries of fowl, gives China not only a boost in its soft power influence but a influential notation in its IR. The contrariety over aid may also bring to light changes in Japan's citizens views of China and its own understanding of historical relevance of the past paving new ways for communication and understanding. While it still being battle out across social networks like Facebook, Myspace and Mixi, it will ultimately be up to the two nations to decide if they can accept each others aid and hospitality.
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Countless people across the globe are opening their hearts and wallets to help the Japanese, but the Chinese offer of help carries an extra weight.

China was one of the first to send a rescue team, a 15-member crew many of whom are now scouring disaster areas in Sendai searching for survivors.

China has also flown millions of dollars in relief to Japan. "China is also a country prone to earthquake disasters, and we fully empathize with how they feel now," said Premier Wen Jiabao. "When China was hit with the massive Wenchuan earthquake, the Japanese government sent a rescue team and also offered rescue supplies." China is ready to give more, as Japan needs it, he added...

Still, anti-Japanese sentiment runs deep among some Chinese.

On social networking sites, some bloggers were sarcastically "congratulating" Japan on the earthquake. Others have called the quake "baoying" (karma) for Japan's occupation of China during World War II. Their numbers may be few, but their voices echo deep-seated animosity.

The Chinese suffered miserably under Japan's wartime occupation from 1931 to 1945. Millions of lives were lost.

Nearly 70 years after the war ended, memories of Japan's war atrocities continue to bedevil the relations...

"There are many things in politics and diplomacy that China and Japan don't see eye-to-eye on, but because of this humanitarian situation and people's willingness to help, we're coming together and improving our relationship in a friendly way," said Hachiya of Japan.



Link to video and full article:
http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/03/17/china.japan.quake/index.html?iref=allsearch