Six Japanese congressmen participated in a fishing competition in the waters of the Diaoyu Islands held by some conservative Japanese political groups yesterday, intentionally provoking Chinese public opinion. What they were fishing for were not fish, but the embarrassment of China and the pleasure of Japanese right-wing forces.

The Diaoyu Islands are claimed by both China and Japan, but unfortunately are under the control of Japan. This allows Japan to play tricks with the Diaoyu Islands dispute and gives Japan various advantages.

Japanese society has been keen to provoke China last few years. Japan is witnessing declining development while China is rising, therefore provoking China can bring more attention.

With its growing national strength, China has more countermeasures at its disposal, which makes Japan more cautious. For example, Japan's latest prime ministers haven't openly visited the Yasukuni Shrine. It's a victory for China's enhanced strength.

But China still doesn't have enough power to curb the provocations at the Japanese congressmen level, unless it has enough soft power to influence Japanese society. Otherwise, in front of a restrained Japanese government, the anti-China provocations from these right-wing congressmen will become more rampant. Japan needs some ways to vent its dislike and dissatisfaction against China.

Chinese society also has some anger toward Japan, but has restrained itself in the past. The Chinese government should leave more room for the public to deal with Japan and keep a balance between the sentiments that the two hold toward each other.  

For example, despite the Japanese having control over the Diaoyu Islands, China could come up with more methods to claim its sovereignty besides sending law-enforcement vessels, such as establishing a Diaoyu Islands garrison. The Chinese public could set up a Diaoyu Islands Day, or name some roads as Diaoyu Islands Street.       

As for the six congressmen and other anti-China Japanese politicians, China could impose sanctions on them, such as forbidding them from entering China.

In recent years, Japan has suffered many frustrations when competing with China. The right-wing forces of Japan have been arrogant since China still lags behind Japan generally. But at the same time, they have been jealous of China's rapid development and increasing prosperity.

The Diaoyu Islands is close to the Chinese mainland, unlike the Nansha Islands. China has numerous resources and means to claim its rights over the Diaoyu Islands. China has increased its actions to claim sovereignty over Diaoyu these years. It should send more fishing boats and law enforcement vessels and should not be afraid of engaging in disputes with Japan.