"Nevertheless, China was unfortunately unable to understand Japan's real position, and it is greatly to be regretted that the Sino-Japanese War became one of long duration"

This quote by Hideki Tojo shows the sentiment of remorse and grief that the Sino-Japanese War ended up being a long and extracted dispute. Tojo is suggesting that if China had had the ability to comprehend Japan's position, the war might have been avoided or at least ended rather. He is expressing his remorse that the war was not dealt with rapidly and in harmony, and that it instead became a long and pricey conflict.

The quote likewise suggests that Japan was not the aggressor in the war, however rather that it was China's inability to understand Japan's position that caused the war. Tojo is suggesting that if China had been more understanding, the war might have been avoided or at least ended much sooner.

The quote is a reminder of the catastrophe of war and the importance of understanding and interaction in order to avoid dispute. Tojo's remorse is a tip of the human cost of war and the requirement for countries to work together to fix their differences peacefully.