China and Japan--a problem of air space?

AJ'S CORNER

China and Japan—a problem of air space?

                So, the Vice President, Joe Bidden, will meet with Chinese officials, President Xi Jinping and Vice President Li Yuanchao, in Beijing to talk about the current problems between

Japan and China over the air defense zones in the East China Sea.  The Chinese have extended their air defense zone to the dismay of Japan. In that zone are islands in dispute between the 2 countries. . 

Islands---known in Japan as Senkaku and in China known as Diaoyu.

                Many questions and concerns about this situation.

                Question:  If the United States is sending the Vice President, the situation must be serious or at least a cause for alarm.  Since the “world” seems to think that the U.S.’s attention is in the Middle East, the time is ripe to do whatever, and the U.S. would not really respond.  China believes that if war erupts between itself and Japan; the United States would be unwilling to intervene.  And, I might add on whose side.  Remember China has a lot of U.S. debt, and Japan is a strong ally in the Pacific.  Of course on the other side, Bidden may be priming himself for a Presidential run?

                Question:  The animosity between China and Japan is great, nowadays somewhat subtle, but still great.  One just has to look at World War II; the Japanese torn apart most of China.    So why China extension of air space, why now?

                Concern:  A major concern is a war between China and Japan.  The two countries are the two major economic powers in the region.  Could this fabricated conflict be nothing more than a test of economic powers in the region?  Could this be possibly a shifting of power with the Asia Pacific Group/Region of the Far East?

                Concern:  Another concern would be the impact on the region.  If Vice President Bidden cannot resolve the problem, if China and Japan cannot tone down their animosity, if war does not erupt, what would the probable outcome truly be?  A stalemate cannot go on indefinitely.  But then again look at the aftermath of the Korean War.

Later

AJ