Tokyo announced the release of Chinese fishing boat captain, after Chinese protests getting stronger and more retaliation measures are expected to come, besides already announced real earth export ban and Chinese tourists urged not to go to Japan.
The release will certainly a relief sign for Sino-Japan watchers who have been concerned about the further worsening relationship. The long term impact of the incident, including physiologic shadows it casts have yet to emerge.
One certain thing is a closer collaboration between Tokyo and Washington. The two leaders just held a one-hour meeting in New York on the sidelines of the UN summit. Japan PM Kan and President Obama discussed about China and expressed a desire to strengthen the ties, which have been weakened by dispute over Futenma base transfer.
On the other hand, burdened by domestic economic slowing down and upcoming mid-term election, Obama administration certainly has more in stake in dealing with China. A recent stronger stance taken by Washington, including a tough tone on Chinese currency issue, has drawn attention.
As Chinese President Hu Jintao is going to visit the U.S. next January, and President Obama will be hosting a state dinner to welcome Hu, the third one under his presidency, it's really up to Washington to balance the act.
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