Beijing needs to flex its muscles
The recent dispute over the Diaoyu Islands (Senkaku Islands for the Japanese) has been very illustrative of China's weakness. Historically, China was the target of repeated Japanese aggression. Many lives were lost in the fight against brutal Japanese invaders.
Although China is not as weak militarily as it once was, Japan can brazenly challenge the country. That's because Beijing uses velvet gloves in its dealings with Japan. It seems as if Beijing is afraid to confront Tokyo openly.
Beijing insists that the Diaoyu Islands historically belong to China. That means nothing because the US simply recognises Japan's ownership of the islands.
Beijing should begin using forceful action to reclaim its rights over the islands. Although the Diaoyu Islands are tiny compared to the mainland, Beijing needs to flex its muscles and show the world its will matters.
Stephen Fung Po-min, The Chinese Foundation Secondary School
From the editor
Thank you for your e-mail, Stephen. That is fighting talk indeed. Do we really want to go to war? Thankfully we have politicians who can do the arguing and talking on our behalf. If China were to attack Japan, you can be almost certain that the US would step in to help Japan. China would lose a lot of support in Asia as it will be seen to be a bully.
You are right, though, that often history means nothing. History is a moving timeline and it is pointless to drive a stake into that timeline at a certain point and say 'this is what you need to look at'. Time moves on and we really have to make the best of what we've got.
I am sure Young Post readers can think of plenty of peaceful ways to solve the problem.
Susan, editor
