HK has a role to play in East China Sea disputes, analysts say
Beijing's tacit approval of local activists' travel to the disputed Diaoyu Islands to protest Japan's territorial claims shows that the city has a part in regional diplomacy
The Diaoyu Islands saga shows that Hong Kong has a role to play in China's diplomacy and handling of regional territorial disputes in the East China Sea, analysts say.
They say that Hong Kong activists' trip to the disputed islands this week supports Beijing's claim of sovereignty, while avoiding direct confrontation with Tokyo.
China's stance on the Diaoyus, which Japan calls the Senkaku Islands, has led to heated exchanges; Beijing responded furiously to Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda's recent comments that Japan might buy the islands from their private Japanese owners.
Nevertheless, activists on the mainland have been barred from taking strong action.
"Given that the previous plans by Hong Kong activists to sail to the Diaoyu Islands were blocked by the authorities, it is fair to say that their recent successful attempt has been approved by Beijing," said Professor Zhou Yongsheng from China Foreign Affairs University.
Beijing appears to be showing the world that it is exercising restraint, but it also wants Tokyo to know that it is serious about the matter.