Illustration: Liu Rui

Editor's Note: 

As tensions in East Asia grow, driven by conflicts over islands, China's rising power, and the renewed US role in the region, some find the situation disturbingly reminiscent of Europe in the 1910s. Could the region be drawn into a wider war? Or will trade and economic interdependence keep peace in place? The Global Times invited two writers to comment.

Shadow of war hasn't yet disappeared from East Asia

Dove of trade may be just another hopeful illusion