日中関係

It seems that people here are having a fierce debate concerning whether it is appropriate to call China "Shina." This is very interesting. I don't know how most Japanese think about the word, but since Japanese people used that name when they wereinvading China during WWII, it had a very bad connotation. Also, I read a few articles which said that because of the need to create a superiority feeling over Chinese people during the war, "Shina" was used instead of the orthodox "chuugoku." If that isreally the case, then I think calling someone as "Shinjin" is an insult. I don't know how many people call that name privately (I have no way to know anyway...), however, a government official uses that name has a completely different meaning; it makes thederogatory name official, which will deal an extremely serious blow to the already fragile Sino-Japanese relations. At least, all Chinese officials call Japan "Japan" and not use other names. The most important thing here is not whether "Shina" is orthodox ornot; the most important thing is that Chinese people will feel insulted and angered at the name. If that name will just arouse anger, why bother using that name? "Chuugoku" is just fine, why not use it? I think that it is important for Chinese andJapanese people to understand and respect each other. I know that China and Japan may be competitors in international politics, but the economies of both countries are highly complementary. If all the past scores can be settled appropriately, maybe in thefuture China and Japan can become partners in international politics! It may even seem silly to think of such a notion, but it is not totally impossible. However, I think that the US will oppose this most strongly since such a union between China and Japanwill even be stronger than the EU, and poses an extremely dangerous threat to US hegemony and influence in Asia. Anyhow, you may think I am dreaming, but after all this is just a thought.