Frenemies Prepare to Defend Diaoyu Islands

~By Cynthia Dawn Roy

            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 debate clear. The Chinese military is well prepared to defend their rights to the islands. Sr. Colonel Geng Yansheng, spokesman of the Chinese Ministry of National Defense, says, “The Diaoyu islands and their affiliated islands have been Chinese territory. 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.