By Yaping Wang
Tensions over the Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands are still simmering - with fallout mounting daily. Despite talks between high-ranking diplomats from both sides—many obstacles remain that prevent the two from reaching an agreement on the issue. For China, a number of factors converge to make it highly unlikely that it will back down from its tough posture without considerable concessions from Tokyo.
The first is many Chinese (both official and unofficial) lack of knowledge about Japan’s political system. The prevailing view in China is that the Noda government colluded with the nationalistic Tokyo Governor Ishihara in plotting the “nationalization” of the islands. Many Chinese commentators conclude the “nationalization” was part of a calculated strategy. Such an allegation, however, ignores the reality of Japanese politics.
Read the full story at The Diplomat