Recent
disputes about a small string of islands between China
and Japan has been labelled
“one of the biggest rifts in years between East Asia ’s
two most powerful countries.” Though they’ve been economic partners for years, both
Japan and China claim to
have owned these resource-rich island-waters for centuries, and they are
prepared to fight for it.
This
quarrel was awakened a month ago when Chinese citizens sailed to the islands
from Hong Kong and were deported by Japanese coast guards back to China . Since
then, the conflict has been rousing the Chinese people to take action, stand up
for their country and display their national pride. There have been riots in 25
Chinese cities, burning Japanese flags and smashing Japanese cars.
Meanwhile, as
citizens are flaunting their anti-foreign displays, Beijing
has also made their stance on the Diaoyu
Island China ’s
military has the determination and the capability to safeguard its national
sovereignty and national integrity. The army has the confidence to carry out
its duty.”
The
Japanese maritime enforcement powers are also being strengthened to defend
their rights to these islands’ resources.
