The rightist apologists of Japan's atrocious past and belligerent present find it a thorn in their side and wish the world would forget about its existence.

The China-hating politicians in Washington display collective amnesia when and where it gets in the way of demonizing China.

But, like it or not, the Cairo Declaration, issued 70 years ago yesterday, remains the ultimate key to sorting out the convoluted territorial dispute between China and Japan.