Japan's National Police Agency said Tuesday that if Chinese activists land on the Diaoyu Islands again, it will prosecute them. Chinese activists are planning new trips to the Diaoyu Islands, and will not be stopped because of Japan's warning. Japan's threat in fact signifies another round of escalation in the Diaoyu crisis.

The Chinese government should make full preparations for conflict over Diaoyu. The Diaoyu crisis has become irreconcilable after being pushed by Japan's right-wing forces. The tacit consensus between China and Japan that they won't expand the conflict has been broken. Confrontation has dominated the situation. It's impossible for the Chinese government to make a one-sided compromise, as that would deal a catastrophic blow to its credibility.

The Chinese government has to follow public opinion and contend with Japan for control of the Diaoyu Islands. Strategically, that's risky for China, but that's what it has to take.

The Chinese public isn't looking to get back the Diaoyu Islands immediately. But they cannot endure the arrogance and aggressiveness shown by Japan in the Diaoyu Islands conflict. It's the public wish and demand that the government decisively fight against Japan's provocations and make progress in safeguarding the sovereignty of Diaoyu.

Some analysts will argue such a demand lacks strategic wisdom. They suggest that China be restrained and further increase its strength. But it's impossible to ask the public to be as rational as strategists.

China should have the courage to create a new situation when battling Japan. China's law enforcement forces should sail into the so-called Japanese maritime belt within 12 nautical miles of the Diaoyu Islands. They should have the ability to apprehend these Japanese visitors. This should be the aim of the government in protecting Diaoyu in the future.

It may lead to intensified maritime tensions between China and Japan. China shouldn't be afraid of this. China and Japan should share equal and joint responsibility for maintaining maritime peace. If military clashes happen as a result of the Diaoyu dispute, China shouldn't be nervous. As long as neither wants to get involved in a real war, the clashes will be kept within certain parameters.

It's not a good choice for China. But when making tough decisions, the government should pay more attention to the expectations of the mainstream of the society and not foreign countries' reactions. This should be the principle when China makes decisions in territorial disputes.

The article is an editorial published in the Chinese edition of the Global Times Wednesday.