Sino-Japan:from Competition to Confrontation?

Today marks a very unusual day in Sino-Japan relatons. From years later we look back, today may be the first public display of new change in Sino-Japan relations, from cooperaton in late 1980s and early 90s to competition in late 90s to today's confrontation.

It is the issue of North Korea that Beijing and Tokyo speak publicly about their dissatisfication over each other. China ambassador to UN, Mr. Wang Guangya said, China opposes Japan’s proposal of a UN resolution to put sanction over North Korea. Japan's leading candidate for next Prime Minister, Mr. Shinzo Abe said, Japan has the right to strike a foreign missile base if the country is under imminent threat of attack.

Japan obviously is disappointed by China's leaning towards North Korea, and also China's seemingly non existing influence over North Korea. Beijing, on the other hand, seems to feel being betrayed by North Korea and being squazzed by Japan.

Everyone is crossing fingers over China's six party talks negotiator, Ambassador Wu Dawei, who is in Pyingyong in persuding Kim JungIl in returning to the table, otherwise, not only North Korea faces a setback, China may have to make more efforts to retrive its influence and soft powers in Asia Pacific region.