Second, the United States intends to exert its influence on Japan's political situation. The general election has kicked off in Japan and the aggressive policy of Noda government on the Diaoyu Islands issue has been resolutely countered by China, which discourages the Japanese government and public. In order to back up Japan, the United States raises the additional clause.
Seen from the U.S. traditional strategy, the disputes between China and Japan in Asia Pacific serve interests of the United States. And the easiest way of intensifying China-Japan tensions is to incite Japanese right-wingers to stir up troubles on the surface. This U.S. move will undoubtedly increase the Japanese right-wing forces’ chance to win the election.
Third, the United States focuses on the future of China-U.S. relations. Both China and the United States have just undergone change of top leadership, resulting in new situation for bilateral relations. By taking a high-profile stand on the Diaoyu Islands issue, the United States attempts to seek more room for maneuver in future China-U.S. game. However, this result of zero-sum mentality, which is purely based on interests of its own, is unlikely to end up successfully.
The Diaoyu Islands are China's inherent territory and China will resolutely safeguard its maritime rights and interests. Stable development of China-U.S .relations is conductive to peace and stability of Asia Pacific while the U.S. short-sighted and biased policies are not helpful for bilateral relations and regional stable development.
Read the Chinese version: 美为何此时“搅浑水”, source: Jiefang Daily, author: Zhang Yao
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