It is a bit of a bad time to be Japanese in China right now. The Japanese purchase of the Diaoyu islands has sparked nationwide fury. As the International Herald Tribune (the global edition of the New York Times) puts it:
"Starting last weekend, government-tolerated demonstrations have taken place in scores of cities in China, with cars and department stores burned and Japanese-style shops smashed as people protested against the purchase last week by the Japanese government of three of the Diaoyu (as China calls them) or Senkaku (as Japan calls them) islands. Japanese citizens here are frightened to go out. Electronics giants like Panasonic and Canon have shuttered production in local factories, the popular clothing retailer Uniqlo has closed many stores and hundreds of Japanese-style eateries and businesses, including 7-Eleven (it is Japanese-owned in China), were shut. Political visits between Japan and China are canceled and even operas and writers' meetings are off."
Our driver says that many people who own Japanese cars here have been trying to cover the emblems on their cars for fear of retaliation. The Chapmans (the other family who adopted their daughter from Lili's orphanage) told us that another of the adoptive families they knew had been caught up in a riot in Guangzhou. (Thankfully, they weren't hurt.) And on top of all of this, Tuesday (the 18th) was a national holiday celebrating the liberation from Japanese occupation in China in the aftermath of World War II. There was a parade commemorating the holiday just a block or two from our hotel.
Needless to say, we are very thankful that most people here seem to think that Ed is Chinese. People frequently speak to him in Chinese, expecting that he will understand them. Tracy keeps telling people who ask that he is American, and leaving it at that. But please pray for our safety while we are here. We know that the Lord is with us, that His timing is perfect and that He brought us here at this time. We are not fearful, but we are trying to be careful. Thank you for your prayers!
2 comments:
It is such fun to read about your adventures! I will keep you guys in my prayers for your protection. Thanks for posting about the Japan/China issue. I was wondering if that was going to have any affect on you and Ed. Lili seems to be such a joy and so happy!
I was just reading about this in the newspaper this morning and wondering if it was affecting you guys or not. I will be praying for your safety and protection and that you will be able to enjoy the rest of your time in China.
Missed you at lunch after CBS today. Just so you know, I saw most of the biblestudy group today and everyone commented on how much they are enjoying reading your posts. We all feel like we are getting to experience this with you in some small way. Keep up the good work! Smile!
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