Tensions rise between China, US, and Japan

[Matteo]

Keep updated on the story here: http://tinyurl.com/uschinajapan

In a nutshell, there has been a continuous dispute between Japan and China over several unclaimed islands in South East Asia. Fundamentally, it all comes down to oil, mining, fishing, and other natural resources that are potentially on these islands. Here is an easy and accessible graph that sums it up:




The US are (unsurprisingly) getting involved in this dispute, so China have taken a naturally aggressive stance. It will be interesting if Russia, South and North Korea starting getting involved, as well.

[AkydefGoldberg]

There always seems to be fighting between the South East Asians over various islands but it's never really ended up in fighting and tends to be rhetoric to keep the people happy in terms of standing up.

US will probably support Japan rather than China but be surprised if it leads to anything close to war.

[HFX]

Why the hell should the USA have any say over a dispute between Japan and China. I mean sure if things start to really get hostile they should get involved but there's really no reason for them to be sticking their nose where it doesn't belong. It's just some crappy islands, let the Asians settle this amongst themselves.

[Chewy]

Why the hell should the USA have any say over a dispute between Japan and China. I mean sure if things start to really get hostile they should get involved but there's really no reason for them to be sticking their nose where it doesn't belong. It's just some crappy islands, let the Asians settle this amongst themselves.

Because the islands are of geographic significance and Japan is an ally that we will need if China decides to start taking over shit.

[Matteo]

Why the hell should the USA have any say over a dispute between Japan and China. I mean sure if things start to really get hostile they should get involved but there's really no reason for them to be sticking their nose where it doesn't belong. It's just some crappy islands, let the Asians settle this amongst themselves.

Because the islands are of geographic significance and Japan is an ally that we will need if China decides to start taking over shit.

Precisely.

The US are well aware the international framework may shift to a bipolar model within the next 50 years, so it is of imperative strategic importance that they don't 'back away', despite most of the world wanting them to.