Publication

This brief provides insights into the escalating maritime tensions in the Sea of Japan and South China Sea. Viewed from a geo-political perspective, the author argues that the dispute between China and Japan over the Diaoyu/Senkaku islands is not really a territorial dispute, but more about China asserting its national identity. He also believes that tension in this region is unlikely to reduce in the near future as China will push the envelope to ascertain the US' 'red line' and simultaneously coerce Japan to back down.