Japan's ruling party, the Liberal Democratic Party, recently renewed tensions over the East China Sea issue by urging Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government to consider seeking international arbitration, mirroring similar action by the Philippines. This move, however, would not be wise.

This is not the first time that Japan has maliciously attacked China over its oil and gas exploration in the region. Last July, Abe accused Beijing at a meeting of its House of Councilors of “unilateral development despite a 2008 agreement to maintain cooperation on resources development in the area.” In its recently released “Defense of Japan” white paper, Tokyo also issued the demand that China “halt the construction of oil and gas exploration platforms in the East China Sea.”

However, this is the first time that Japan has considered international arbitration to resolve the dispute. There are likely several hidden motives behind this proposition.

First of all, though Japan understands China's stance over the unilateral arbitration instigated by the Philippines, the country still sided with the Philippines.

On various occasions, Japanese officials declared that: "Japan supports the Philippines to peacefully settle territorial disputes with China under the framework of international law." The country has also increased its interference in this issue as the final decision draws nearer.

After the recent meeting between Abe and East Timor’s President Taur Matan Ruak, Japan wrote in a press release that: "the arbitration restrains the disputing party.” Its real aim, however, is to contain China by connecting the South China Sea issue with the East China Sea issue. Japan is also attempting to cement its alliance with the U.S. by defending the latter’s interests in the South China Sea.

Secondly, Japan is trying to win more support for the Liberal Democratic Party. Even though the party already has a majority in the National Diet, Japan’s bicameral legislature, public opinion cannot be neglected.

In a bid to achieve an overwhelming 2/3 vote in the Diet election this July, the party needs more public support. However, many Japanese are not satisfied with Abe's economic policies, and protests over a controversial new security bill have recently swept through many cities. By drawing attention to the East China Sea at this moment, the party is trying to ease the public's dissatisfaction by shifting focus to another issue.

Thirdly, arbitration would help Japan to destroy China's sovereignty and interests in the East China Sea, even though China has already signaled its goodwill to reach a consensus with Japan.

China has stated that the consensus must not violate China's sovereignty and jurisdiction in the region. China is not willing to shift its stance toward the proposed demarcation of the region, and refuses the "middle line" being advocated by Japan. However, Japan continues to deny China's sovereignty and jurisdiction over the Chunxiao gas field.

Japan’s attempts will not bring about its desired results. Actions undermining other countries' sovereignty in the name of international law are doomed to fail since the law is based on justice.

During China's recently concluded Two Sessions meetings, Japanese media asked about China-Japan ties. China gave a clear answer: that Japanese officials should refrain from double-dealing. China is already plainly addressing the underlying problems, and arbitration would simply not be a helpful addition to the situation.

(The author is the Deputy Director of the Department for International and Strategic Studies at the China Institute of International Studies)