China warns Japan over disputed islands

Instead of politicians, they should just send AKB48 with their international sister groups for a friendship concert on one of these islands.

Just remember: The Chinese have counted to infinity (twice).

So is China threating to attack Japan? Perhaps the PM should fly home from Russia and put the SDF on a alert footing.

China and Japan are steadily becoming integrated economically and on the vast majority of issues they have friendly and expanding relations. The cynic in me thinks that this Senkaku/Daioyu issue is being used by both countries to distract their respective ultra-nationalists (and the media) from what's really going on behind closed doors.

"Japan should take concrete actions to meet the Chinese side halfway to reduce tensions and promote Sino-Japanese ties of mutual benefit,” he told reporters

Japan already has, They have pre-empted Tokyo's plams to build on the islands. Thereby ensuring that the rabid masses won't go off the deep end give the Chinese governmnt grief. In other words to reduce tensions. In truth, the Chinese government is reaping what it has sown with decades of anti-Japan "Patriotic Education" of their children. Personally I'd like to he see Japan build a military outpost so that he masses might topple the CCP dictatorship for not doing enough. After all, Patriotism, is not a crime in China.

Yuri, Your posts have become ver war-mongering lately.

Right... so what are they planning? I read somewhere that Chinese netizens are asking the government to use the island as a live fire target practice target. Let's see what they do next.

What should Japan do Ossan? Give up the islands without a fight to China? All of my posts are within the spirit of Article #9, we can not attack but can defend ourselves from attack. Appeasement did not work before WWII and it will not work today. These islands are on the fringe of our defense. Again there can only be a conflict if Red China starts it. Now Nationalist China is threatening Japan. If Japan gives in now, what will we do the next time? When either or both China's say the Ryukyu Islands belong to them. We are about 1.3 million people so do you see Noda coming back from China with a piece of paper saying "Peace in our time"?

Meeting the Chinese halfway means what exactly? Did the Chinese define what that was? No.

Yuri, You know I am well known as anti-China. I think Japan is doing the proper thing at this time. There's really no support for China's position outside of China., Japan could build on those islands any time they want. China can say whatever they want, and they do, but there's really nothing they can do about it. They won't suggest taking the issue to the ICJ because legally they'll get blown out of the water, plus they'll now open themselves up to ICJ claims from the Phillipines, Vietnam, Malaysia, everybody whose toes China has stepped on. They will not attempt to take the islands by military force because the United States has aready stated that the US will defend the islands. China is not prepared for a shooting match with the United States. Even without direct US action, the JSDF has been preparing for this type of engagement topgether with the US. So there really is no Chinese military concern. As for Taiwan, they are not going to resort to military action. At he right time building on he islands should commence, a JCG outpost for starters. So there really is no point is talking about war, unless you want to lower yourself to the level of the rabid Chinese japan-hating mobs.

If China really believed they owned the islands they would not be asking for a half way meet on the issue, they would outright demand compliance as was the case with England and the Falkland Islands.

Oh come on China. Talk about kicking someone in the face when they're down. China is rich and growing richer. China has more land and access to resources, etc. Japan is struggling to get back on its feet. China should be giving, not taking away. Talk about bullying the weak! Japan has no time and money to fight this battle. Do the words "Help thy Neighbour" mean anything anymore?

Learn to read between the lines of political statements. This is one of the most conciliator declarations from China I've ever read. They have to deal with their own right-wing nationalist too, and cannot simply appear to roll over and do nothing, at least rhetorically.

The expression "take concrete actions... meet halfway", and "...Sino-Japanese ties of mutual benefit" gave away their true desire. This statement means they want nothing more than for these islands to remain disputed "no-man's lands" for the foreseeable future with neither side officially doing nothing concrete, and let nutty nationalists from both sides will make pilgrimages from time to time.

I have feeling that both sides really want this needless conflict to just disappear, but neither can simply say that.

A kanshajyou' or certificate of thanks given by China to a Japanese living on one of the Senkakus for saving a Chinese fisherman calls the islands 'part of the Okinawan Kingdom'. I saw it on the news the other morning but didn't get the date. It was over 100 years ago though. There was a factory there for seaweed processing and a number of Japanese lived there. China said nothing all those years...

ossan:

After all, Patriotism, is not a crime in China.

Neither is it in Japan. And it'll get worse if people like Hashimoto and Abe are allowed to exert more power over the nation. Utsukushii kuni, anyone? Yes, we all know China is run by a dictatorship. We know people have fewer rights there and can't vote for their head of state. But Japan is supposed to be a developed G7 nation, with democratic values, trying to be on the same level as UK and USA. So what's Japan's excuse?

yuriotani:

Even though I may not necessarily agree with the Japanese government, I'm willing to leave it at the status quo for the sake of peace. I was reading an article the other day, perhaps in Japan Times (can't remember) where they interviewed some Hong Kongers and many said they just couldn't be bothered with this dispute. One said that territory owned by one country in the past doesn't mean that they will always be owned by that country. In many ways I agree - Mongolia can't expect China to just give their country back to them just because it used to be part of the Mongol Empire. GB grabbed Gibralter, US got Hawaii, Japan invaded the Ryukyu islands - so everyone ends up being a hypocrite. However, will Japan also let Dokdo and the Southern Kuriles remain as they are now, in the hands of Korea and Russia? I think Japan wants to have its cake AND eat it. The three territories will not exchange hands unless there is a war. And I for one, unlike you, am not willing to see a war start. Instead of just suggesting going to war, like in your previous posts, perhaps you'd like to leave the comfort of your home all the way in America, come back and volunteer. It's funny how the ones always doing all the talking never actually want to do the dirty work, eg the right-wing politicians like Ishihara.

This is a very conciliatory statement from China. The world really doesnt need a war over these islands (a slugging match between China and Japan would hurt a lot of the world economically) and hopefully both sides can be satisfied with the status quo.

On balance I believe Japan has a stronger case for ownership (because they have always been uninhabited [long term] and Japan has controlled then for more than a century.)

Scooby - this situation is different from the falklands - the FI has an established population as old as that of Argentina and a large number of other independent countries. Self determination rules in that situation and whilst the islanders wish to remain a dependent territory of the UK, Argentina should respect that. The parallels here are minimal. England doesnt "own", the falklands. If they declare independence in next years referendum then the UK wouldnt be able to go against world opinion and would have to comply with that.

The fact that its just a bunch of rocks makes the Senkaku situation simpler. China's recent willingness to claim territories in the South China sea does hint at a resource grab. The Senkakus are no different and Japan should hold firm. Uncle Sam does appear to have your back.

Just make it an international center, with casinos, and such. Split the money 3 ways.

Ossan I am from Okinawa and thus not Japanese. Really the Japanese government should ignore the barking of the current mainland Chinese government. We should develop our territory as we see fit. I wonder what the Chinese are so afraid of these days?

Oh come on China. Talk about kicking someone in the face when they're down. China is rich and growing richer. China has more land and access to resources, etc. Japan is struggling to get back on its feet. China should be giving, not taking away. Talk about bullying the weak! Japan has no time and money to fight this battle. Do the words "Help thy Neighbour" mean anything anymore?

Hey Japan was doing the same thing to China, it must be payback time for China. Karma is a b...

I don't think that Japan should be provoking China any further, but the Japanese are not very bright on this and in 20 years China will be swallowing up Japan. Mark my words.

Japan should go ahead and take the islands. China won't do anything. They can't.

“Japan should take concrete actions to meet the Chinese side halfway to reduce tensions and promote Sino-Japanese ties of mutual benefit,”

There in itself is an opportunity to act as the suggestion guides. Why not? Set a new precedent in how nations move forward from issues that could so easily be resolved with compromise rather than follow the same tired route of rabid nationalistic fever that once set to boil, well... history is set to repeat itself.

Thomas Anderson: With all due respect, I must disagree. so you're saying Japan should just say shoganai and give the Island, which is by the way clearly documented in China's maps as a Japanese island, to China? Don't get me wrong. I hate no one. I have friends from countries all over the world. I maybe mistaken but it appears that you have no idea what's really happening in Japan at present. Japan doesn't need and can not afford a childish battle with China or any other country. Japan is on the verge of a major disaster. They need to concentrate on that. I know for a fact that Japan has helped and still helping its neighbors. I see my taxes going to other countries for aid while the people of Japan continue to struggle to keep their lives going. Raise electric costs, increase of consumption tax, descease in salaries and bonuses. Personally, I don't care about the past. I live for today and tomorrow. Last month a guy backed into my car. No anger. Just talked and solved the problem. Like real adults. Most of the people to past onflicts you talk about have already past. How long must we allow past mistake/happenings control our present? He said, she said, we did, they did. It's time to grow up and look to the future or there won't be one for our kids and their kids. No good can come from revenge and war. My apologies for venting but I really wish people can live in harmony.

Pukey2Sep. 09, 2012 - 10:18AM JST "ossan:After all, Patriotism, is not a crime in China."

Neither is it in Japan.

Wrong. Criminal acts such as wrecking cars, trashing restaurants, throwing rocks at foreign embasseys are nopt prosecuted by the Chines authroties in any severe manner because the "mobs" the receipts of bthe state sponsored "Patriotic Education" have made "Patriotism is not a crime" a motto. The Chinses authorities are afraid, unable or both, to quash it. In Japan you can not commit crimes and expect any lenicehny because it was Patriotically motivated. Even in South Korea, where anti-Japan sentiment is strong, the manweho drive a truck into the gates of the Japanese Embassey inSouthj Korea was prosecuted under SouthKorean law and properly incarcerated.

And it'll get worse if people like> Hashimoto and Abe are allowed to exert more power over the nation. Utsukushii >kuni, anyone? Yes, we all know China is run by a dictatorship. We know people have fewer rights there and can't >vote for their head of state. But Japan is supposed to be a developed G7 nation, with democratic values, trying to be >on the same level as UK and USA. So what's Japan's excuse?

Seems you don;t undrestand democracy. They need no excuse. Rightwingers exist in every country, What's Germany;s excuse for having numerous neo-nazi organizations today, eveb thiough Nazism is officiually outlawed? What's the excuse in he United States where racism is illegal for the existencxe of multiple white supremacy groups? How about the skinheads in the U.K.? In a democracy people have the freedom of expression, so likewise in Japan some idiots are able to drive around in black trucks and make alot of noise and annoy everyone. Likwise in a democrratic society, politicians can be right left centrer , and they can be as nationalist as they want. The difference is that there is a choice which voters, the people can make. In China there is one paryty and the people have no vote or say in running it.

YuriOtaniSep. 09, 2012 - 10:47AM JST Ossan I am from Okinawa and thus not Japanese. Really the Japanese government should ignore the barking of >the current mainland Chinese government. We should develop our territory as we see fit. I wonder what the >Chinese are so afraid of these days?

Hate to break this to you but while you can be proud of your Ryukuan heritage, Okinawans are most certaibly Japanese. In fact genetically more Japanese than the Japanese themselves with a closeness to the Jomon people, a trait shared also with the AInu people. That you call the Japanese "Yamatobito" is an indicator of how far back the relationship goes between the Ryukyuus and the Japanese Islands. The fat is that Okinawa ios a prefecture of Japan and as I said be proud as much as you like, but that's like a Texan claiming he's not American. I've told you what the Chinese are afraid of, the Chinese government is afraid of the anti-Japan mobs who believe that "Patriotism is not a crime" will be unhappy with their governmentfor not doing enough to protect China'sa sovereugnty and the anti-japan demonstrations will turn into anti-Chinese Government demonstrations. Something that will be justified because "Patriotism is not a crime:" What Japan isa doing is indeed catering to China to keep this from happening.

Thomas AndersonSep. 09, 2012 - 10:58AM JST

Hey Japan was doing the same thing to China, it must be payback time for China. Karma is a b...

Guess no one ever taught you that two wrongs don't make a right. 70 year old history, with all WWII matters settled in a Treatyu of Friendship signed in 1972 and reaffirmed again in 1878 by China and Japan negates the validity and rationale of any kind of "payback".

I don't think that Japan should be provoking China any further, but the Japanese are not very bright on this and in 20 >years China will be swallowing up Japan. Mark my words.

It isn't Japan that's doing the provoking, it;s China. Your words aren't worth being marked. China may be a complete mess in 20 years if the government loses control over the people. Wait till the economy tanks and the people start demonstrating.

When is this nonsense gonna end?

thywillbedone

I have feeling that both sides really want this needless conflict to just disappear, but neither can simply say that.

Yes. What I've been hearing is that the government wants to prevent Ishihara buying the islands and building on them, so they want to buy the islands and leave them deserted, which would allow things to calm down. Not sure how true that is, but that's what I've heard. Naturally the government would never be able to say as much because it would make them look weak.

...they should just send AKB48 with their international sister groups for a friendship concert on one of these islands.

Excellent idea. then we can leave them there - without a recording studio or video facilities! - and hopefully never hear from them again. Works for me...

The islands were stolen by Japan in the war of 1894 after Japan attacked China. Japan also made Taiwan a colony. Does history matter? Imagine a robber who mugs you and steals your jacket. The next day you meet the robber on the street wearing your jacket. You demand you jacket back. The robber calmly replies: "That is old history. Don't bother me! This jacket is mine -- can't you see -- I'm wearing it!"

hereforever

With all due respect, I must disagree. so you're saying Japan should just say shoganai and give the Island, which is by the way clearly documented in China's maps as a Japanese island, to China?

Did Japan gave the same respect when they invaded Manchuria and Taiwan? No. China will do the exact same thing. That's just how the world works. China will just take it over by force anyway.

I maybe mistaken but it appears that you have no idea what's really happening in Japan at present. Japan doesn't need and can not afford a childish battle with China or any other country.

I'm sorry, but am I the one advocating for Japan to go to war with China? No, but the right-wingers in this country are. If they want to go to war with China so badly, then maybe they should. Just don't come crying when they get invaded by China and Japan becomes the Republic of China.

China has a special grudge against Japan and the Japanese right-wingers are not making the situation any better. Blame it on the right-wingers like Ishihara for ruining national security. If he wants Japan to go to war with China, then maybe people shouldn't vote for him. But they will, anyway. Maybe Japan will get invaded by China after all.

OssanAmerica

Guess no one ever taught you that two wrongs don't make a right.

I'm not making a moral statement. I'm only stating what might happen. If Japan provokes China furthers then it's more likely for China to start a war with Japan.

It isn't Japan that's doing the provoking, it;s China.

Do you see any Japanese trying to calm down the whole situation? No, they are provoking it. Just don't blame anyone else when China invades Japan in 20 years. All those old men in power won't even be alive by then, anyway. Ishihara will be gone by then, and he wants to go out with a "bang" - a ruined and invaded Japan.

Hey Thomas glad someone has some sence but doesn't help the situation. Wonder if ishihara will be there fighting? My guess is he will only be spending. Buying te islands won't make any difference. They are owned by someone already and the Chinese don't care about that so what difference does it make if owned by ishihara himself even? None at all! Just a lot of noise provoking the Chinese to do something. China is much bigger than Japan. USA is not your mama - anything could happen be careful.....

depressing!!!hope it won't lead out to war...

So is China threating to attack Japan? Perhaps the PM should fly home from Russia and put the SDF on a alert footing.

Yes, that is EXACTLY what they are doing. Sigh.

Ossan I am from Okinawa and thus not Japanese. Then could you PLEASE stop going on and on about Japan and wanting the US to defend it at all costs? If anyone should be against taking these islands then it should be you! You're islands didn't and aren't fairing to well under Japanese control, are they??

So China, Japan, Russia, Taiwan and Korea all refuse to back down over island claims. Wonderful. When is the war going to start as I'd like to leave the area before China and Russia blow everything up.

If China really believed they owned the islands they would not be asking for a half way meet on the issue, they would outright demand compliance as was the case with England and the Falkland Islands.

That is exactly why I think it is plain wrong to play soft against Japan. Negotiation usually means give and take. If you do 'give' ground, (at least some) Japanese will believe you are wrong.

2012...have a bad feeling, even if the world does not end, 2012 has enough bad contents like worsening world economy, wierd global weather, bad war scenarios...are those the signs? US will let this situation escalate and fire back if China hits Japan! China is a communist country and will never sit back quiet for long, and if this situation is not resolved quickly (which I dont expect to get resolved) we could see the worse. Be prepared!!

@OssanAmerica

I'm not making a moral statement. I'm only stating what might happen. If Japan provokes China furthers then it's more likely for China to start a war with Japan.

I guess and I believe Chinese is not stupid enough to start war. In fact, it only need to keep pressure on. Japan will booster SDF around those islands. More tax payer's money waster. Then Japan will face 2 options:

Raise tax --> poorer Japan

Its good be nationalist, but people must keep always cool head, and analize serenely different kinds of options for negotiate, assessing objectively pros and cons. For example, time ago there were territories disputes between Rusia and China, but them decided to solve it, in order to bring closer these two nations, increase the coperation and help between them,and get other comercial and economics benefits for some agreements signed by them in goodwill. Since this point of view it could be seen more like a card for negotiation in relation with other many important interests.

Its only my point of view, but western world is in a multifaceted crisis, which Asia have been able to avoid; it would be stupid the possibility of deteriorate the winning streak of Asias countries, for be fighting between them for problems generated of nothing, that not benefits noone, but maybe western countries like USA.

@miguel

So it's not really good to be a nationalist, is it?

Give the disputed rocks to Okinawa and then Okinawa must declare independant. The Okinawans will be happy ( now they can demand the Yankee to go home if they chose to instead of leaving that to Tokyo ), Japan will be happy to be rid of those pesky Okinawans they don't really think as " true " Japanese anyway. The new " Republic " of Okinawa can develop the vast oil/gas resource as economic base and join OPEC ( no need for anymore handouts from Japan ). China can save face by saying they contributed to the free will of the okinawans who were occupied by the japanese ( and lately American imperialists ). A win-win-win situation for all........................................

China is playing with FIRE!!!

China is playing with FIRE!!!

Both countries are!

people really needs to think more in between the lines through all of this, who wants what and why is a 3rd WW is being escalated. why is asia beginning to feel the heat of the beginning of a WWIII? who really wants what and for what reason is it is already in the headlines, people just have to read them all together and connect the dots.

there are no winners in war, only losers regardless of it's ending. people should learn to look back in history and pray that those mistakes never happens again. but then again, those that think that they have won the war, will never think that way, per se, they thought they won thw war.

japan has learned it's lesson, and paid for it and is still paying for it until these days very dearly. the world should give japan a second chance, and world peace at the same time. GOD forgives,...men should too.

Axle, what "lesson" has Japan learned? They lost the war, were propped up by the US, became a powerhouse economically and continue to ignore their history. Where's the lesson??

Okada and Sands China should build a JV casino on Senkaku/Diaoyu and Fisherman's Wharf should run restaurants serving sushi and seafood fried-rice. Kazuo-sama, this is a winning "sortie" of the Wynn case and extension of product portfolio, on the four main islands, only pachinko machines are allowed and it doesn't look like the politicians are busy passing bills towards this domain and the existing legislations are yet to reach Senkaku/Diaoyu. Both Chinese and Japanese love gambling, just look at them now. Make money, make love, not wars. World peace :)

ossan:

Wrong. Criminal acts such as wrecking cars, trashing restaurants, throwing rocks at foreign embasseys are nopt prosecuted by the Chines authroties in any severe manner because the "mobs" the receipts of bthe state sponsored "Patriotic Education" have made "Patriotism is not a crime" a motto. The Chinses authorities are afraid, unable or both, to quash it. In Japan you can not commit crimes and expect any lenicehny because it was Patriotically motivated. Even in South Korea, where anti-Japan sentiment is strong, the manweho drive a truck into the gates of the Japanese Embassey inSouthj Korea was prosecuted under SouthKorean law and properly incarcerated

The evil side of patriotism can take many forms, not just the ones you so conveniently listed above. The police seem to do F.A. when the evil right-wing scum go touring round the local area with their loudspeakers on full blast. They could at least get them on noise pollution. I bet if I were to start shouting with a loud speaker in front of Nagatacho or the Imperial Palace, I'd get arrested. And how many times have we heard of police doing squat all when right-wingers physically beat up people who dare go up against them? There are also other worrying things like how Ishihara, Hashimoto and Abe are trying to 'instill' a sense of patriotism in the young. You do also recall what happened to teachers who didn't show enough respect toward the national anthem? Frankly, I'm a bit worried at the direction this nation is heading toward. In Hong Kong, the government were thinking of introducing patriotism lessons (courtesy of the mainland) in schools. This caused such a big uproar and mass demonstrations which included so many teachers that the government has given in. Unfortunately, I can see these sort of lessons creeping into the Japanese classrooms if the previously mentioned politicians get their way.

Please don't think that Japan as the moral upper hand. There is a bad side to China, but Japan does not exactly come out of this smelling of roses either.

Thomas AndersonSep. 09, 2012 - 01:34PM JST "OssanAmerica Guess no one ever taught you that two wrongs don't make a right".

I'm not making a moral statement. I'm only stating what might happen. If Japan provokes China furthers then it's >more likely for China to start a war with Japan. "It isn't Japan that's doing the provoking, it;s China".

Do you see any Japanese trying to calm down the whole situation? No, they are provoking it. Just don't blame >anyone else when China invades Japan in 20 years. All those old men in power won't even be alive by then, >anyway. Ishihara will be gone by then, and he wants to go out with a "bang" - a ruined and invaded Japan.

Yes I do. The Japanese govt ios trying to calm down thesituation, with China's tacit understanding, by pulling the ruig out from under Ishihara's biid to buy the islandsand build on them. An act that wouls no doubt increse the rabid anti-japan sentiment and is something the Chinese govt wants to avoid.

tian4670Sep. 09, 2012 - 02:27PM JST @OssanAmerica "I'm not making a moral statement. I'm only stating what might happen. If Japan provokes China furthers then it's more likely for China to start a war with Japan." I guess and I believe Chinese is not stupid enough to start war. In fact, it only need to keep pressure on. Japan will >booster SDF around those islands. More tax payer's money waster. Then Japan will face 2 options: Raise tax --> poorer Japan Cut education --> more stupid...

I didn't say that. You quoted the wrong poster.

Pukey2Sep. 09, 2012 - 07:06PM JST "ossan: Wrong. Criminal acts such as wrecking cars, trashing restaurants, throwing rocks at foreign embasseys are nopt prosecuted by the Chines authroties in any severe manner because the "mobs" the receipts of bthe state sponsored "Patriotic Education" have made "Patriotism is not a crime" a motto. The Chinses authorities are afraid, unable or both, to quash it. In Japan you can not commit crimes and expect any lenicehny because it was Patriotically motivated. Even in South Korea, where anti-Japan sentiment is strong, the manweho drive a truck into the gates of the Japanese Embassey inSouthj Korea was prosecuted under SouthKorean law and properly incarcerated"

The evil side of patriotism can take many forms, not just the ones you so conveniently listed above. The police >seem to do F.A. when the evil right-wing scum go touring round the local area with their loudspeakers on full blast. >They could at least get them on noise pollution. I bet if I were to start shouting with a loud speaker in front of >Nagatacho or the Imperial Palace, I'd get arrested. And how many times have we heard of police doing squat all >when right-wingers physically beat up people who dare go up against them? There are also other worrying things l>ike how Ishihara, Hashimoto and Abe are trying to 'instill' a sense of patriotism in the young. You do also recall >what happened to teachers who didn't show enough respect toward the national anthem? Frankly, I'm a bit worried >at the direction this nation is heading toward. In Hong Kong, the government were thinking of introducing patriotism >lessons (courtesy of the mainland) in schools. This caused such a big uproar and mass demonstrations which >included so many teachers that the government has given in. Unfortunately, I can see these sort of lessons >creeping into the Japanese classrooms if the previously mentioned politicians get their way.

I'm, not worried abouit inceased natioinalism in Japan at all. Those monkeys in the black trucks are no better than the drooling mobs in China trashing cars and restaurants. Since WWII ended and Japan adopted the "Peace Constitution" the nation of Japan has lived in what they themselves call "Heiwa Boke". My counyry pushed through Article 9 of the costitution as a means of satisfying the other allied powers that wated to prosecute the Emperor. US policy was to keep rhe Emperor to avoid a social collapse. A mere 5 years later the US was regretting Article 9 as the North Koreans invaded South Korea. THe US forced Japannto create a military, the JSDF out of the national police force. Since then the US has tried to bring Japan back to carrying more of it;s weight in terms of it;s own defense as well as region security. The stumbling block has been not only the Japanese adherence to ARt.9 but the national attututde towards anything military and related to "war". Remarkably, China's rise and subsequent military and territorial expansion has done more to increase "nationalism" in Japan. Well that's maybe saying too much, it has increase a "sense of national pride" is about as ar as it goes so far. The downside of the Chinese penchant for forever harping on WWII may very well cause Japan, the only country to have a constiutution that prohibits waging war, to reconsider it;s geo-political circumstances in a realstic light.

Please don't think that Japan as the moral upper hand. There is a bad side to China, but Japan does not exactly >come out of this smelling of roses either.

Please, comparting the one party authoritarian dictatorship called China anmd the democratic counytry with all it;s faults as any democratic country had Japan, there is no comparison as to moral upper hand. China/SKOrea whine aout Japanese text books. What they nevr say is thsat in Japan there are several textbooks that schools are free to adfopt or reject. In China the "Patriotric Education" is mandatory, and called "brainwashing" by the people of Hong Kong. Honestly I think you're concerned about the wrong country.

The timing of all this is interesting. The anniversary of the end of WWII and the fact that Japan is in a weaker position economically, politically, environmentally and energy-wise. Seems like Korea and China are enjoying stirring tensions because of this. Like hyenas who can sense a weak or injured animal.....

ossan:

Honestly I think you're concerned about the wrong country.

Sorry to break this to you, but I don't live in China, but in Japan, and my partner is Japanese - that's why I'm concerned. The one good thing about being a foreigner here is that I can leave when war starts. Not sure about my other half or other Japanese people who have no intention of getting involved in all these tensions and sh*t stirring.

Fact is that until the US says that these islands that it gave to Japan in 1972 are Japanese and that US forces in Okinawa will assist in their defense, China is going to keep up with this.

The US needs to make it clear it guarantees the sovereignty and security of all Japanese territory, which it recognizes the Senkaku islands to be a part of.

Pukey2Sep. 09, 2012 - 10:01PM JST > "ossan:Honestly I think you're concerned about the wrong country." Sorry to break this to you, but I don't live in China, but in Japan, and my partner is Japanese - that's why I'm >concerned. The one good thing about being a foreigner here is that I can leave when war starts. Not sure about my >other half or other Japanese people who have no intention of getting involved in all these tensions and sh*t stirring.

Sorry to break THIS to you but all of Asia considers CHINA to be the biggest military threat. They are relying on he U.S. to counter this. The US, Australia and Japan have a strategic alliance with China in mind.India considers China a threat. If you are concerned that China may at some time start a shooting war, fine well you should be.If you are concerned that Japan, having been a completely peaceful country for 67 years is suddenly going to go back to being a military dictatorship and over run Asia, well , like I said, you're concerned about the wrong country.

YuriOtani: "Ossan I am from Okinawa and thus not Japanese. "

Hate to break this to you, but you are Japanese, and your ancestors Japanese. Did you join the Ryukyu Defense Forces, Yuri? Nope, you willingly, knowing your islands are Japanese, joined the JSDF.

It is quite amusing to watch you constantly berate the US presence in your nation, then declare it is not your nation, then declare it's your nation and state the US MUST help, then demand they leave, etc. You're the biggest hypocrite on this board, Yuri. Wake up, drink some coffee, then try not to contradict yourself several times within the same sentence.

Sorry to break THIS to you but all of Asia considers CHINA to be the biggest military threat. They are relying on he U.S. to counter this. The US, Australia and Japan have a strategic alliance with China in mind.India considers China a threat. If you are concerned that China may at some time start a shooting war, fine well you should be.If you are concerned that Japan, having been a completely peaceful country for 67 years is suddenly going to go back to being a military dictatorship and over run Asia, well , like I said, you're concerned about the wrong countr

very well said.

if ever china wages a war with japan, it will create a chain reaction to the most part of the world and thus threatens a WWIII,..but before even a WW breaks up, china will break itself up first and will loose it's sovereignty to it's own people who are turning against to each other. china will break just like how korea is now or at the least just like what happened to USSR.