[wnight]

> I don't think it's really racism per se, as I think amongst many Chinese, especially the less well-educated, they believe that for reasons of history, foreigners, [...] owe them something

Technically, that is racism. Blaming similar looking people.

Less insidious than other forms maybe...

[jckt]

Don't think so. Technically speaking racism is strictly prejudice based on racial, biological theories. This is prejudice based on history. Imperial Japan was part of the 8 Nation alliance, defeated China in the Sino-Japanese Wars, in WWII, etc. It's just easier to figure out if you're a white businessman than a Japanese businessman. Looks are a part of it, but their reasoning is all historical. Unlike say, segregation in the 60s USA -- black < white simply because they're black. So, maybe it's sort of like racism, but if you want to be technical, it's some other kind of prejudice. I'd say xenophobia is a better term.