Publication

The Sino-Japanese tension that occurred in September 2010 (a dispute over the Senkaku Islands) could be perceived as a change in bilateral relations. China's unapologetic attitude towards Japan raises concerns not only in Tokyo but also among East Asian countries. They want to draw the international community's attention to China's assertiveness and strengthen cooperation with the US as a guarantor of security in Asia. China perceives this approach as encirclement of the PRC, which vindicates its increase in military spending. The likelihood of similar disputes in the region has increased.