by BRENDAN O’REILLY
MAP/Wikipedia
Long-standing historical and geopolitical tensions between Japan and China are coming to a head over a group of islands in the East China Sea. The struggle for sovereignty over the Diaoyu Islands (called Senkaku Islands in Japan) is heating up at a dangerous time for both countries. While Japan faces crucial elections, massive protests against Japan erupted in dozens of Chinese cities. In some places, anger was vented against Japanese products and brands. Protesters overturned Japanese-brand cars, set fire to buildings, and smashed Japanese-made electronics. The popular mood in China is for war.
Although the territorial dispute goes back at least several decades, recent moves by both nations have markedly increased the friction between the second and third largest economies in the world. There exists a very real possibility for armed confrontation. The potential for armed conflict may be increasing due to heightened economic worries and political uncertainties in both countries.
Recent days have seen a dramatic escalation of the maritime dispute. The Japanese cabinet approved plans to purchase three of the five contested islands from their private Japanese owner. The Chinese government almost instantly condemned this move. Premier Wen Jiabao promised to “absolutely make no concession” on the issue of sovereignty over the islands. [1]
More tellingly, the Chinese government is now backing up tough words with military muscle. The Chinese Defense Ministry will “reserve the right to take necessary measures” [2] to secure Chinese sovereignty over the islands. China has sent six “ocean surveillance” ships to the disputed waters for the purpose of “law enforcement”. The Japanese government summoned the Chinese ambassador in Tokyo and condemned the quasi-naval deployment as an “unprecedented” move in the several-decades old quarrel.
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