I don't know know who DEBKA is but have been told they are not reliable. This source is supposed to be reliable:
China Shapes New Image While U.S. Fights War
October 9, 2001
Summary
Chinese President Jiang Zemin met Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi Oct. 8, calling Koizumi's visit to a Chinese war memorial a "meaningful action" toward rebuilding Sino-Japanese ties. The reaction to Koizumi's visit marks another step in China's attempts to reposition itself in the world as a global partner rather than a threat.
Analysis
Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi visited Beijing Oct. 8, during which Chinese President Jiang Zemin said Koizumi is someone "who has the will to improve bilateral relations," the official People's Daily reported. Koizumi laid a wreath at the Memorial Hall of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the first time any serving Japanese prime minister had done so.
China's warm welcome for Koizumi marked a sharp departure from the earlier strained ties between Tokyo and Beijing, due to Japan's controversial history textbooks and Koizumi's recent visit to the Yasukuni Shrine, which commemorates Japanese war dead including several top war criminals. Beijing's treatment of Koizumi reflects a broader Chinese goal. With Washington distracted by the campaign against terrorism, Beijing will use this time to redefine China as a global partner rather than a looming threat.
Before the Sept. 11 attacks on the United States, China was near the top of the list of future threats to the United States. From missile defense to U.S. calls for increased cooperation with Japan and Australia, China loomed in the background of Washington's military planning and preparations.
Related Analysis:
China-U.S. Relationship Redefined
Japan: Anti-Terror Support Will Fuel Neighbors' Fears
First Strike Heralds Longer Campaign
China: Poised for Major Growth
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