Commentary: Wrong choice for Japan to stage any provocation against China

BEIJING, Oct. 26 (Xinhua) -- Despite widespread media reports that Tokyo has decided to shelve an island recapture military drill that was apparently intended against China, there is no confirmation yet from the Japanese authorities.

The absence of a clear position from Tokyo on the issue is quite like hiding a ticking time bomb rather than defusing the explosive device right away, at a time when China-Japan relations shouldn't be dealt any further blows.

Bilateral ties between the two Asian neighbors have grown ever tense since April when Japanese right-wing politician Shintaro Ishihara introduced a plan to purchase the Diaoyu Islands from so-called private owners, disregarding the fact that the islands are China's inherent territory.

To make the matter worse, the Japanese government, apparently in an attempt to divert national attention from the lackluster economy, pursued the "nationalization" of the islands.

Apart from pooling nationalist sentiments inside Japan, Tokyo has also tried to drag in outside powers to support its case. However, it seems the second tactic has so far failed to elicit any actual backing, except some vaguely worded statements from its closest ally.

Still, it is worth noticing that the words and deeds of the Japanese authorities regarding this territorial dispute with China have in effect pushed Japan's politics further to the right.

Most viewed commentaries
U.S. should pay more attention to domestic affairs	China should participate more in making int'l rules	China bashing: Shame on American politics
Face up to temporary tension between China, Japan	China, Japan and S. Korea must eye the best despite disputes	Japan interferes with Chinese navy's training