Diaoyu Islands dispute a watershed
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Wary of China's rise
The dispute over Diaoyu Islands resurfaced when Japan faced the general election. China's dispute with Japan over the Diaoyu Islands is old, only that Japan has been trying to deny it since the 1990s.
The relationship between China and Japan has changed a lot. A long discussion was held in Japan on how to deal with a rising China. It will take an even longer time for Japan to find a way to coexist with China.
Sino-Japanese relations are marked by four factors. The first is historical. The second is Japan's alliance with the United States. The third is the changes brought about by a rising China. And the last is conflicts in reality, especially the interest in exclusive economic zones, which is behind the dispute over the islands.
According to a joint survey conducted by China Daily and a Japanese NGO, the vast majority of Chinese people don't regard the historical issue as the major factor that creates a impact on bilateral relations. Instead, the conflict in reality is the most important factor.
As soon as US-Japan alliance showed signs of weakening, the US adopted a new strategy of re-strengthening its ties with Japan to continue its domination in the region.
There are always some voices against China's emergence in the international arena, because no other country has had so many unresolved problems during its rise.
Therefore, some people in other countries worry about how China will use its increasing power.
It seems natural to Chinese people that they should become stronger, but some foreigners think China is breaking the status quo and feel uncertain about it. In such a situation, we should adopt a more open attitude.
Moreover, the overall situation of peace for China's development is unchanged and has even improved.
