Article 3: Sensaku conflict between China and Japan

More regarding the article: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-19303931

Summary of  Article: 

This article is telling us about the rising tensions between Japan and China over the matter of 8 uninhabited islands located along the East China Sea which both countries claim to own them. Tensions between both were heightened when Japan activists arrived on islands, which were tightly watched on, raising the Japanese flag to show Japan’s rightful control over the islands. This move triggered large scale conflict in several parts of China in demand for the Japanese to leave the islands. Rows over the disputed islands have caused Sino-Japanese ties to freeze in the past with conflicts occuring as recent as 2010. 

Personal Commentary:

I personally feel that the importance of this conflict lies in how Sensaku/Diaoyu Island is critical in deciding the ownership of the rich resources surrounding it and also the sovereignty of both China and Japan. It is certainly no doubt that both countries want a piece of the islands and will not step aside easily during this period of time. Also, such a conflict involves the nation’s pride as the government of the country will have to be firm in its decision in guarding the islands of their territories. However, such a conflict cannot go on forever and especially for the Asian powers China and Japan. Relations between both are important as it can affect the economy and trade industries of other Asian countries as well. I strongly believe that both countries have critical roles to play in preventing such a conflict to spiral out of control.  From what I've witnessed in news reports, efforts have been made from both sides to better control the situation. 

Recent reports show that Japanese Prime Minister Toshihiko Noda and Chinese President Hu Jintao met briefly on the sidelines of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation(APEC) summit on 9^th September after weeks of tension over the territorial dispute, with Japan calling for the neighbours to deepen mutuallly beneficial relations, Japanese media said. Although no meeting have been scheduled but the Japanese prime minister said on Friday he would not shun a brief talk. Such comments made can largely reduce the tensions present though I believe more can still be done to negotiate through peaceful talks conducted between both countries so that a common stand can eventually be discussed and agreed upon on and neither China or Japan are treated unfairly in the decision made for the ownership of the islands.

This shows us the importance of diplomacy between countries on the way how they conducted relations between one another, through tough times especially so as to resolve the conflicts or threat present in a peaceful manner. It is also critical in how countries work through bilateral ties and inter-relationships so as to avoid any violent means which can result in great loss of property and lives.