The days of countries riding roughshod over China have long gone as seen by China's firm resolve and ability to defend its territorial sovereignty, said an article in the People's Daily (excerpts below).

Japan has met a powerful response from China and the international community in the past year for its infringement of China's territorial sovereignty and its denial of war crimes.

Japan is not willing to face the pressing and serious problems in relations and shuns having earnest negotiations. This is the crux for ties. The actions of Japanese politicians often conflict with their words.

China does not want to see Sino-Japan ties deteriorate continuously. On the bases of the four political documents, China is willing to continue mutually beneficial relations. Japan should face up squarely to its war crimes and properly solve the Diaoyu Islands issue with China. Dialogue is the necessary step to solve the problems.

If Japan cannot reflect on its war history, it will face a stern judgment from the international community.