Daily Lessons from Life 13 September 2012 - Anti-Japan protesters rally in Beijing

"Anti-Japan protesters rally in Beijing - AFP 13 September 2012

BEIJING - Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the Japanese embassy in Beijing on Thursday, singing the Chinese national anthem and waving flags, to condemn Tokyo's purchase of a disputed island chain.

The latest demonstration came after the Japanese government this week nationalised three islands in a chain it administers and refers to as Senkaku, but which are claimed by China, where they are known as Diaoyu.

"Japan through illegal methods has forcibly occupied our country's territory... this is the behaviour of a thief," demonstrator Xu Xiaolei told AFP.


Police watched as small groups of demonstrators entered Japanese restaurants to shout that the islands belonged to China. Protests in China are often swiftly dispersed by authorities, but in some cases they are allowed to proceed.

More than 20 cities have seen anti-Japanese protests in the past month and the car of the Japanese ambassador to China was targeted in Beijing when a man ripped the flag off the vehicle.


China dispatched two patrol ships to the archipelago to "assert its sovereignty" on Tuesday.

The territorial dispute has since dominated Chinese media, with state television and all major dailies highlighting Beijing's condemnation of Tokyo's acquisition.


Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said Wednesday that Beijing would "never yield an inch" over the disputed islands, state-run news agency Xinhua reported.

On Thursday it quoted China's commerce vice minister saying the purchase would "inevitably" have a negative impact on trade ties.


"If Chinese consumers, in a reasonable manner, express their positions and views against Japan's violation of China's territorial sovereignty, I think it is within their rights to do so and it is understandable," Jiang Zengwei said.

The islands, which are also claimed by Taiwan, sit near an important shipping lane and nearby waters are believed to harbour valuable mineral resources."

Potential trigger for an all out war between the Asian giants and dragging their powerful allies into the conflict as well? Maybe but not likely IF rationality prevails!

Lessons for me are:

1. is this a diversion by Japan (from its domestic economic mess) and China (from its economic mess of over-consumption, creation of a chasm of rich and poor, and the cloudy once in a decade leadership transition process going on now) politicians or a real struggle to gain control of these perceived resource rich islands?;

2. if it is the former, it will pass. If it is the latter, maybe we are in for the real conflict eventually if nobody wants to collaborate or compromise! Also, if it is the latter, the politicians will wipe up ever higher nationalistic fervour and extreme 'patriotic' behaviors to get the nation behind their action. When emotion takes control of decision making, rationality has no chance. A mantra I often repeat for anyone who care to listen!;

3. so far it has not really turned violence. This compare with the tragic loss of lives in the US Embassy in Libya over, supposedly by an angry mob of Muslims, a film made in the USA that 'insults' Islam! The Ambassador and 3 US officials were killed or died as a consequence of the mob attacks with grenade launcher or some light-heavy weapons. I guessed besides the Libyans, only the US allows citizens to own guns may come close to attacking anyone with such fire power! Irony indeed. I wonder what will happen if the Chinese protests turn bloody and deadly against the Japanese.

Another day of intrigue. And political manipulation perhaps. Hopefully, it is all showmanship and brinkmanship and NOT real aggression. For now ...