Could there be something between the timing of the anti-Japanese protests and the mainland visits by Taiwanese opposition leaders? It is probably too early to say, but there are many reasons to believe that profound shifts are under way in Sino-Japanese and cross-strait relations which are inextricably linked.
It is hard not to believe that motives beyond the most obvious exist for the latest outbreak of anti-Japanese protests on the mainland.
Trying to prevent Japan's admission to the UN Security Council as a permanent member and taking umbrage at revisions to Japanese history textbooks must surely have been sparked by more important considerations than 'the feelings of all Chinese people'.
It is plain to see why the central government would want to maintain China's dominant Asian voice in world affairs or why it would want to channel popular discontent towards a traditional bogeyman. But the way the public's anti-Japanese button was pushed so hard recently by state-run media gives more food for thought.
I have also had conversations with intelligent, well-read people on the mainland that suggest a concerted propaganda campaign is being waged.
Publishers of supposedly broad-minded, outward-looking magazines, and executives at supposedly cutting-edge newspapers have started to say things like: 'Well, we may not get Taiwan back, but we must grow strong and prepare to crush Japan.'
Now that Kuomintang chairman Lien Chan has made his historic trip to meet President Hu Jintao , it is all starting to make a bit more sense.