The case for a new open door policy - for Japan and China

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Note how the closing BANG of Mr Stimson echoes an earlier reference....

Was there something else that Mr Stimson did not reveal about Kyoto that led him to be so protective of this ancient city? Possibly. It seems, as governor of the Philippines in the 1920s, he had become a fan of Japanese culture. What’s more, Kyoto had been his honeymoon destination.

 the story about Mr Stimson is a useful reminder of the importance of people-to-people relationships in helping to calm bilateral wrinkles between nations.

The cordial welcome they received in a country that many Chinese are taught to regard with suspicion would have earned Tokyo more brownie points than all the money it could have expended on advertisements that seek to mould Chinese public opinion. 

Just as important as it is that the Chinese travel the world is that the mainland should also take in visitors. 

these visitors went home with tales of the development miracle unfolding in front of their eyes – a miracle that is of global value, and therefore, makes it easier to comprehend why it needs to be defended.  In short, a better understanding of China.

In this kind of environment where there is a strategic reordering under way, the risk of miscalculation or miscommunication is far greater than it’s ever been before, so cultural relations actually allow us some opportunity to avoid that

Qn: Are global tourism and travel still necessary when everything can be experienced or achieved online? (Cam. 2021)