Japan's wish to encircle China an illusion: Chinese daily

Japan's hope to encircle China is just an illusion, said a state-run Chinese daily Thursday as Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh concluded his Tokyo trip and flew out to Thailand.

During Manmohan Singh's visit to Japan, "both sides have discussed maritime security cooperation", said an article in the Global Times.

A few days back, when Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe went to Myanmar, "it was seen as Japan's attempt to complete a 'puzzle game' in order to 'encircle China'."

It said that Japan's strategy for China "drives its activity around China's neighbours".

"Japan's prudence and cautiousness prove that China will have a major influence over Japan in the 21st century. But Japan's wishful thinking of 'encircling China' is just an illusion. Besides sneaking a few bargains from its competition with China, Japan does not have the strength to prevail over China's influence in Asia," it added.

China's rise has resulted in the change of the power pattern of the Asian-Pacific region, making Japan, which has a special geopolitical relationship with China, bear the brunt of this "painful" impact.

"It will take time for Japan to face the reality that the once only great power in East Asia has to give way to China, whose GDP and marine strength will surpass that of Japan. The process will be tougher for Japan, which will be sincerely convinced some day," said the daily.

"The day will come sooner or later. The little tricks that Japan is playing are nothing but a struggle for self-comfort, which will not affect the development of Asia," it added.

Global Times, however, said that "...gains and losses incurred by the frictions between China and Japan make no difference to the futures of either country. There is no need for China to exert too much energy on Japan".

"This is not a final showdown between China and Japan, neither is it an opportunity for China to mend its broken fences with Japan. All China should do is 'take it easy'. China should be aware that Japan tricks can never impact China strategy. China should take the initiative to decide when and how seriously we respond to it."