Prepare for long-term struggle over Diaoyu

Source:Global Times Published: 2012-9-23 23:50:05

The Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the China-Japan Friendship Association announced Sunday they were postponing a ceremony marking the 40th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic ties with Japan. On Friday night, a number of Japanese policemen landed on the Diaoyu Islands, which China has condemned. The Diaoyu Islands dispute is escalating.

The current situation has robbed the ceremony of its original meaning. A change in the strategic relationship between the two has been brewing, and the Diaoyu crisis could be the final nail in the coffin for friendly ties between the two since the 1970s.

Japan has been calling on both sides to show restraint over the issue while escalating it itself.

The administration of Yoshihiko Noda wants China to accept what Japan has done and give up its sovereignty claim, which is nothing but an illusion.

It seems that there's no space for China to reason with Japan over the issue, which may end with a confrontation between the two. National strength will eventually solve the issue.

China sent law enforcement ships to the Diaoyu Islands last week. Such an act should become routine. The range for law enforcement should be extended to waters 12 nautical miles off the islands, thus realizing the legal status of Chinese police.

Solving the dispute through peaceful means should be China's first choice. But it should be prepared for severe friction. It may lead to an overall confrontation between the two. China should not step back.

The territorial dispute has evolved into a strategic matter. Sentiments involving the islands have accumulated beyond a territorial dispute.

China should avoid acting rashly. It should also avoid being too hesitant and losing any chance to regain control of the islands.

We must be clear this will be a long-term struggle, which may lead to sacrifices. We may easily be united in opposing Japan's public opinion, but if some Chinese people suffer economic losses due to less cooperation with Japan, we may have to face internal conflicts.

The possibility of a large-scale war between China and Japan due to the confrontation is much smaller than that of a compromise by one side due to internal conflicts caused by economic losses. What determines who will win the long-term struggle is the unity of society.

It's vital that each part of society attends to its own duty. China's foreign ministry and law enforcement authorities are leading this struggle, and military forces should be the backing. Even if a military clash occurs, it is key for Chinese society to remain in order and keep running vigorously.

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