South Korea dispatches 20 gunboats to disputed islands

[bd popeye]

I do not know if this subject is forbidden but here I go. South Korea has dispached 20 gunboats to the disputed islands because Japan is sending some survey ships there. Negoiators are trying to head off any conflict. I wonder where the US stands on this? Afterall the US is an ally to both countries.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/S/SKOREA_JAPAN_ISLAND_DISPUTE?SITE=VANOV&SECTION=HOME

Apr 20, 12:22 PM EDT

South Korea, Japan race to avert a clash

By KWANG-TAE KIM
Associated Press Writer

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) -- Japanese and South Korean negotiators raced Thursday to avert a clash over disputed islets as Seoul accused Tokyo of imperialistic ambitions and warned of a possible confrontation at sea.

Behind-the-scenes talks on a diplomatic solution came as tensions mounted over a Japanese plan to survey resource-rich waters near the islands, which are occupied by South Korea but claimed by Japan.

Some 20 South Korean gunboats have been dispatched to the area in anticipation of the arrival of Japanese survey ships. The gunboats were scheduled to conduct high seas seizure drills Thursday, but delayed the exercises due to bad weather.

In Seoul, the Foreign Ministry summoned the Japanese embassy for talks, while warning of the possibility of a clash. Japan held the "key" to preventing conflict, ministry spokesman Choo Kyu-ho said.

President Roh Moo-hyun accused Tokyo of harboring imperialistic ambitions. Many South Koreans say the basis of Japan's claim is its 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula.

"There are some people claiming territorial rights to former colonies that were once acquired through a war of aggression," Roh said in a speech at a breakfast prayer meeting of Christian leaders in Seoul.

"We are now in a difficult situation," he said. "Problems cannot be solved just by goodwill."

The rocky outcroppings, called Dokdo by Koreans and Takeshima in Japan, are surrounded by rich fishing waters and both countries claim the area as part of their exclusive economic zones. Korea Gas Corp. estimates the area also has enough methane hydrate deposits to meet South Korean natural gas demands for 30 years.

In Tokyo, Chief Cabinet Secretary Shinzo Abe said there had been "unofficial" contact between the two sides but Japan still planned to go ahead with the survey.

"The Japanese Coast Guard is carrying out preparations to conduct a maritime survey that is based on international law," he said. "A calm response is necessary, and unofficial contacts between Japan and South Korea are taking place."

The European Union called for a peaceful resolution.

"The EU is saddened to see that there are tensions between the two countries and hopes that the countries can find a peaceful diplomatic solution," visiting EU Commissioner for External Relations Benita Ferrero-Waldner told a news conference in Seoul.

Meanwhile, hundreds of riot police guarded the Japanese Embassy in Seoul as demonstrators gathered, chanting "Dokdo is our territory!" A dozen fishery workers later failed in an attempt to storm the compound.

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi suggested Japan may dispatch a foreign ministry official to South Korea to avert a clash. News reports had earlier said Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs Shotaro Yachi may travel to Seoul as early as Friday.

When asked about the reports, Koizumi said Japan would do its utmost to reach an amicable solution.

News reports said the survey might begin later Thursday. Two survey ships left Japan's west coast on Wednesday but have been lingering offshore since.

Foreign Minister Taro Aso said Thursday Japan needs to conduct the survey to protect its national interests.

But Japanese newspapers reported Thursday that Tokyo offered to drop its survey if Seoul agreed to not register Korean place names in the disputed waters, including a proposal to rename the Sea of Japan, at an international conference in June. Some undersea basins and ridges are not yet named.

Song Min-soon, Roh's security adviser, said in an interview with South Korea's KBS Radio, however, that Seoul has no intention to withdraw its renaming proposal.

The leader of South Korea's ruling Uri Party, meanwhile, urged tougher measures against Japan.

"Japan has finally crossed the line," Chung Dong-young was quoted as saying by party spokeswoman Seo Young-kyo. "We have been practicing somewhat quiet and calm diplomacy up until now, but we can no longer stand this."

The island dispute marks a further deterioration in ties between the two countries, which have struggled for years to overcome a centuries-long history of animosity.

The countries are also at odds over Koizumi's repeated visits to a war shrine that critics, Seoul included, consider a glorification of Japan's imperialist past.

Members of South Korean Coast Guard participate in a drill at a port in Pohang , South Korea, Wednesday, April 19, 2006, amid escalating territorial dispute over Dokdo islets between South Korean and Japan. South Korea's Foreign Ministry warned Thursday there is the possibility of a physical clash with Japan over Tokyo's plan to survey waters claimed by both countries. (AP Photo/Dong A Ilbo, Chun Young-hwan)

http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/9974/skorea3ar.jpg

[crazyinsane105]

Situation seems to be getting dangerous. Let's hope shots aren't fired. However, if the situation does seem to get out of hand, what will the position of the US be? Any guesses?

[IDonT]

Situation seems to be getting dangerous. Let's hope shots aren't fired. However, if the situation does seem to get out of hand, what will the position of the US be? Any guesses?
I think its the same situation as the Greek-turkish relationships. Both countries are members of NATO and have some issues to which one of them owns Cyprus. US will take the middle line and ask both sides to talk.

[DPRKUnderground]

Bomb will go off in one of the two countries and they'll unite to stop terrorism.

[Nethappy]

Well I highly unlikely that the Japanese going to get much backing from other Asian country. As Most would just see it as another Imperial expansion

[DPRKUnderground]

Well I highly unlikely that the Japanese going to get much backing from other Asian country. As Most would just see it as another Imperial expansion

Well the only two powers in that region besides them are China and South Korea. Taiwan won't do anything, the Phillipines had their bad stuff happen b/c of Japanese imperialism, and North Korea....Well that's pretty obvious. But I think South Korea has an advantage. Their soldiers are as tough as nails! The US Rangers had to stop taking the South Korean Ranger school b/c not one American Ranger ever passed it. That says a lot.

[Finn McCool]

Well the only two powers in that region besides them are China and South Korea. Taiwan won't do anything, the Phillipines had their bad stuff happen b/c of Japanese imperialism, and North Korea....Well that's pretty obvious. But I think South Korea has an advantage. Their soldiers are as tough as nails! The US Rangers had to stop taking the South Korean Ranger school b/c not one American Ranger ever passed it. That says a lot.

I have to disagree. The South wouldn't be invading Japan. And the JMSDF is far superior to the South Korean Navy. The Japanese Air force would probably defeat the South Koreans as well. However, neither country will hit the other's mainland, because so many base facilites are shared with the Americans in both countries.

What would China do? It would probably denounce Japan's "imperialist actions" in order to bring South Korea more in to its orbit, as South Korea is already influenced by China. China might even use this as an excuse to occupy its own disputed islands/gas fields. Although the JMSDF can handle South Korea or China, it can't handle South Korea and China. Moreover, this would force the Americans to choose between trying to stop Chinese agression and appearing to abandon their allies the SKs, or side with the SKs, allow China to "get away with it", and abandon their closest ally in the Pacific reigon, Japan. Just a thought.

Anyway, the Japanese could ever a few of their quiet diesel subs underneath those gunboats right now, and if a real war starts, those gunboats go down pretty fast. The Impeial Japanese Navy...I mean Japanese Maritime Defence Force;) ...Would defeat the South Koreans. All in all, this would be very embarassing for the United States.

[KYli]

I have to disagree. The South wouldn't be invading Japan. And the JMSDF is far superior to the South Korean Navy. The Japanese Air force would probably defeat the South Koreans as well. However, neither country will hit the other's mainland, because so many base facilites are shared with the Americans in both countries.

What would China do? It would probably denounce Japan's "imperialist actions" in order to bring South Korea more in to its orbit, as South Korea is already influenced by China. China might even use this as an excuse to occupy its own disputed islands/gas fields. Although the JMSDF can handle South Korea or China, it can't handle South Korea and China. Moreover, this would force the Americans to choose between trying to stop Chinese agression and appearing to abandon their allies the SKs, or side with the SKs, allow China to "get away with it", and abandon their closest ally in the Pacific reigon, Japan. Just a thought.

Anyway, the Japanese could ever a few of their quiet diesel subs underneath those gunboats right now, and if a real war starts, those gunboats go down pretty fast. The Impeial Japanese Navy...I mean Japanese Maritime Defence Force;) ...Would defeat the South Koreans. All in all, this would be very embarassing for the United States.
South Korea will not involve with China against Japanese with the dispute islands, because they don't need to. In this time period, South Korea is in better position than Japan, it really is up to Japan to be the agressive. So why SK would want China to complicate things for them.

China know they can't count on SK right now, by involving themselves would not give China much incentives. Actually it might back fire, and cause embarrassment for Chinese if SK turn down the help. Eventhrough SK and US have their difference, but they still enjoy a fairly close relationship.

Japan's action was well calculate, so there are little chance for things to get out of control. And Japan would not do things to offend US, since US don't want trouble between Japan and SK. It is highly unlikely things will get out of control.

[bd popeye]

I hope there will be no shooting. But if their is My money is on the JSDF..They just have a superior force. I don't know if the JMSDF will be escorting those Japanese survey ships.

As an American I'm very intrested to see where the US will stand if there is any shooting. I hope the US remains nutreal and acts as a mediator to help to avoid conflict.

[f2000]

well i hop us should send something to prevent any shooting there.
this dokdo\takeshima island is 87.4km from Eleungdo of sk and 187.5km from oki island of japan.sk navy has stationed security guards on takeshima since 1954 n also built docking facility in 1997 although repeated protest from japan.
although my bet on jmsdf with advanced ssk n ddg fleets,better sign a treaty than bloody conflict(i doubt it will happen).the situation is going to be complicated especially for us n china will not interfere in this.:china:

[drunkhomer]

if there is shooting...i think US will lean more towards the japanese side...cuz in my opinion.....japan is more of a import ally to US then korea in order to contain china

[Finn McCool]

I agree with most of what you guys said. I believe that the likelihood of this going to a shooting war is highly unlikely. I just threw in the China thing to make it more interesting. Basically, it is nationalistic bluster, and the Japanese will probably back down first. This is because to them it is simply a rock outcropping that it would be nice to hav, and they are angry and SK for being so indignant about it. But to South Korea, it is much more. It is seen as part of Japanese WWII imperialism, which the Koreans are still very bitter about. It is almost as if the honor that they lost in WWII and regained through economic power and prosperity is being challenged again by the same country. So it means much more to the South Koreans.

But the JMSDF would take to South Korean Navy. Hands down. They have much more advanced ships (Kongo class, to name one), the best sub fleet in Asia, and an Air Force with F-15s. Not to mention the fact that they train with the USN a lot.

[DPRKUnderground]

The JASDF doesn't have all of it's F-2s in service, and the F-2 sucks anyway. The F-15J is the only plane that poses a threat to the ROKAF. South Korea holds 153 F-16s, 130 F-4s, and 185 F-5s. The JASDF had 100 F-15s, 79 Combat F-4s (They have over 30 recon versions), and There are supposed to be 130 F-2s, but production is supposed to be slated down to 80. South Korea has the better Air Force! Japan definitely has the better Navy. But the ROKN can pack a lot of punch and will cause major damage. And the two ground forces. That's pretty obvious.

[akinkhoo]

China and South Korea does team up politically against Japan right now. it is not an alliance, rather they just happens to have a common stand against an overly-nationalistic administration. let call it 'luck'.

---

i an guessing Japan is maintaining the confrontation to create a need for them to normalize from being a defeated country. it would be a matter of time before fear set into the japanese public that they need to militarize again, allowing the government to make what seem taboo into a given. are there any encounter to my views that all this is just a plot to change japan's public opinion?

[Nethappy]

akinkhoo I agree with you.

The Japanese are deliberately, starting and maintaining a confrontation with surround power e.g China and SK. So it have creat a fear and a lose of face to the Japanese Public. Therefore it can gain public support to militarize again.

Nevertheless I like to point out Historically, these Island being disputed with China and SK were own by thier respective country. There were tooken over during WW2 and after the Japanese Defend they should be returned to their respective. Japan really dun have much ground for their agruement IMO.

[DPRKUnderground]

akinkhoo I agree with you.

The Japanese are deliberately, starting and maintaining a confrontation with surround power e.g China and SK. So it have creat a fear and a lose of face to the Japanese Public. Therefore it can gain public support to militarize again.

Nevertheless I like to point out Historically, these Island being disputed with China and SK were own by thier respective country. There were tooken over during WW2 and after the Japanese Defend they should be returned to their respective. Japan really dun have much ground for their agruement IMO.

That goes for the Senkaku Islands too. Japanese imperialism and ultra-nationalism is gaining ground. The Conservatives are winning the elections in Japan and is fueling the movement. The key to stopping this is make the public in the west aware fo Japanese atrocities in WWII. I've heard so much stuff about the atomic bombs and how bad it was. But I never hear about the Rape of Nanjing. Not trying to start a flame war with a Japanese person. Just saying the public should be aware.

[Finn McCool]

The mods might not like this discussion...

Basically this war would be short. This is how I think it would go.

Japan makes a provocative move (why would South Korea start the war? They are all ready are in poesscion of the islands.) Someone opens fire. Then the Japanese hit the South with subs they have lying in wait. The respective fleets sail out of port and fight in the Sea of Japan. The JMSDF wins, but takes heavy casualties. The war re-orients itself to be predomiantly an air war, as the South Koreans try to use their air force to delay or prevent a Japanese invasion of the islands. They attempt to reinforce the islands, and we may see something like to Belegrano incident in the Falkland Islands war, where a ship, like a troopship, is sunk by a sub (probably a Korean ship and a Japanese sub.), causing heavy casualties in a very "media visible" event Both sides would probably come to a stand still, and they would accept American mediation.

I think that that is a rough outline of how the war would go. That said, I don't think there would be a war in the first place.

[Vlad Plasmius]

I would say that this one event won't lead to war, but if the incidents continue things could get quite heated.

[Nethappy]

That goes for the Senkaku Islands too. Japanese imperialism and ultra-nationalism is gaining ground. The Conservatives are winning the elections in Japan and is fueling the movement. The key to stopping this is make the public in the west aware fo Japanese atrocities in WWII. I've heard so much stuff about the atomic bombs and how bad it was. But I never hear about the Rape of Nanjing. Not trying to start a flame war with a Japanese person. Just saying the public should be aware.

I remenber back in high student we had a few Japan oversea student, these guy almost broke down in unbelievable during our history class. They really had no idea about Rape of Nanjing, and what the war was really about. This is from my own experiences also not trying to start a flame war with a japanese.

I really dun think Japanese would really do much apart from provocative with word and possibility of sending a few unarmed ship into the area. IMO, They should know that they are getting isloated by the rest of Asia. The more imperialism and ultra-nationalism they show the more isloated they are going to get.

Finn, you forgot to outline every Japanese embassy in Asia country who has felt Japan damage during WW2 is going to get masses protest to dounece it imperialism, and it going get ugly in some country and if Japanese draw first fire in any incident, I would be suprise if another Asia country jump in, in the name of protecting SK from a Japanese invasion and it imperialism. Another point is NK it nuclear issuse remain unsolve, it like add oil into fire.

Anyway I dout that the JMSDF would win, it become a stalemate the SK Navy is not just going be there sitting duck, the Airforce would be in the air within minute of any incidents, there is going be heavy casualties both side but no one going gain more ground. I would also wonder what would NK do and possible China although it does have it non-interference policy but toward Japan it made be a different matter cos this matter could help fuel nationalism in China it self.

[DPRKUnderground]

Finn, you forgot to outline every Japanese embassy in Asia country who has felt Japan damage during WW2 is going to get masses protest to dounece it imperialism, and it going get ugly in some country and if Japanese draw first fire in any incident, I would be suprise if another Asia country jump in, in the name of protecting SK from a Japanese invasion and it imperialism. Another point is NK it nuclear issuse remain unsolve, it like add oil into fire.

Anyway I dout that the JMSDF would win, it become a stalemate the SK Navy is not just going be there sitting duck, the Airforce would be in the air within minute of any incidents, there is going be heavy casualties both side but no one going gain more ground. I would also wonder what would NK do and possible China although it does have it non-interference policy but toward Japan it made be a different matter cos this matter could help fuel nationalism in China it self.

If there is a conflict between South Korea and Japan over Dokdo, the China can go in and grab Senkaku by denouncing Japanese imperialism and giving full political support to South Korea. Then blockade the islands. Don't let anything in or out. Starve them. Now if only China had a carrier. That would make the situation better for China. But Su-30s carry a lot fuel and I think AWACS can provide radar cover.

[FuManChu]

That goes for the Senkaku Islands too. Japanese imperialism and ultra-nationalism is gaining ground. The Conservatives are winning the elections in Japan and is fueling the movement.

The LDP has been winning elections in Japan for decades! But the reason they've been doing so recently is because:

a) the opposition lacks credibility (or indeed policy)
b) Koizumi has successfully championed himself as a reformer

Nationalism has nothing to do with it. I was in Tokyo at the weekend (at the end of a stint in Japan). There was one of those cute lil' nationalist vans with the flag and some bloke blathering on about this and that. Not one person had stopped to listen to what he had to say. When I pulled a face at him (I just couldn't resist it), I was not swamped by people in sunglasses and bundled into an unmarked van, or even harassed by angry passersby. All I got was a laugh from my Japanese friend. The guy in question looked at me, not knowing what to do, and then continued after a bit.

Imperialism and ultra-nationalism does not have anything like a serious influence on modern Japanese society. It is no different from the "China threat" story being pushed in the US. Anyone who knows the Far East also knows that nationalism (and racism) is worse in South Korea and China than Japan, though not necessarily both factors in each country.

The key to stopping this is make the public in the west aware fo Japanese atrocities in WWII. I've heard so much stuff about the atomic bombs and how bad it was. But I never hear about the Rape of Nanjing. Not trying to start a flame war with a Japanese person. Just saying the public should be aware.

Most people are not aware of the Armenian massacres, what went on in the Balkans, etc. Hell, do they even know about Chechnya and Darfur? But even when I've met people who know about what you mention, it doesn't really change their view of Japan or the Japanese people. We still get a fair amount of stuff about the Nazis, but despite bitching from the German media we don't actually care that much. We've moved on and to be honest we're not impressed by the way Chinese and Koreans are still banging on about things that happened 60+ years ago. One guy I met who used to live in Suzhou said that he thought the Japanese could apologise in any way - and its critics would still say it wasn't enough. And to be honest I'm starting to think the same thing myself.

------

As to the event in question, what were the South Koreans planning to do? Board and/or attack unarmed ships in international waters? If they want to sabotage relations with Japan and boost the platform of the ultra-nationalists there then that would be the best way of doing it! Personally I think the bickering between China/South Korea and Japan over tiny rocks really does none of those countries any good in anyone's eyes. They should just grow up and stop thinking with their "lower brains".

[Vlad Plasmius]

Finn, you forgot to outline every Japanese embassy in Asia country who has felt Japan damage during WW2 is going to get masses protest to dounece it imperialism, and it going get ugly in some country and if Japanese draw first fire in any incident, I would be suprise if another Asia country jump in, in the name of protecting SK from a Japanese invasion and it imperialism.

I think Taiwan and China could jump in, especially if the KMT gets some good political control in Taiwan. China would support a Taiwanese seizure of the Senkaku Islands with the PLAAF while giving South Korea AWACS and bomber support. There'd likely also be funds pooring in from private groups and governments in Asia.

Anyway I dout that the JMSDF would win, it become a stalemate the SK Navy is not just going be there sitting duck, the Airforce would be in the air within minute of any incidents, there is going be heavy casualties both side but no one going gain more ground. I would also wonder what would NK do and possible China although it does have it non-interferen

China would likely lend support, such as giving South Korea information on Japanese sorties and other such activities.

The real question is if sustained incursions like this will bring the two into conflict and lead to closening ties with China.

[Finn McCool]

I think Taiwan and China could jump in, especially if the KMT gets some good political control in Taiwan. China would support a Taiwanese seizure of the Senkaku Islands with the PLAAF while giving South Korea AWACS and bomber support. There'd likely also be funds pooring in from private groups and governments in Asia.


I know that the South would probably receieve much international support, but I don't think that China would rock the boat like that. If the Chinese attack Japan the US will get involved. And when the US gets involved, the war will end fast, because both South Korea and Japan need America much more than they need a few islands, no matter how many fish swim around them, or even if there is oil down there. I also highly doubt that China and Taiwan are going to suddenly get over their differences and go to war with Japan together.

All in all, no matter what happens, this would be a very embarassing situation for the US. It would show that Asian nations that are as closely allied to the US as South Korea and Japan are acting on their own in ways that are completely the opposite of what the US wants them too. It would mark the day that Asian nations need and cared about each other more than America, and when that day comes, I think that the US is finished as an unchallenged superpower.

[Nethappy]

Most people are not aware of the Armenian massacres, what went on in the Balkans, etc. Hell, do they even know about Chechnya and Darfur? But even when I've met people who know about what you mention, it doesn't really change their view of Japan or the Japanese people. We still get a fair amount of stuff about the Nazis, but despite bitching from the German media we don't actually care that much. We've moved on and to be honest we're not impressed by the way Chinese and Koreans are still banging on about things that happened 60+ years ago. One guy I met who used to live in Suzhou said that he thought the Japanese could apologise in any way - and its critics would still say it wasn't enough. And to be honest I'm starting to think the same thing myself.


FuManChu where are u from. Well I just wanna tell you there is a lot of thing you can't talk about if you dun know what going on. I am not trying to get personally or anything.

But my grandma almost lost here whole family to the Japanese she and her older sister was the only survivor out of a extend family of over 100 people. That not something you forget in 60 years. I can still remenber story that she used to tell me.

[FuManChu]

Finn is right. China isn't going to get involved with such a conflict, other than to bang the tub and perhaps seize the Senkakus. And there is no way China and Taiwan would co-operate - even the KMT is suspicious of the mainland, despite the propaganda about cross-Strait relations.

As to international support, that would depend on who fired first/"declared war" first, etc. Certainly SK would have been in the dog house over attacking unarmed ships in international waters.

But regardless it would be South Korea versus Japan solely. With such a conflict I doubt very much that SK could "win" - it might force a stalemate with neither side willing to start a full-blown war, but that would be it.

EDIT:

To Popeye - Aye-aye, sir! Sorry for wandering off topic earlier.
To Nethappy - I have Chinese friends that also suffered greatly during the war, but do not hold a grudge against Japan or the Japanese. This isn't the place to discuss such things, as Popeye has rightly reminded us, so let's not get the mods involved by continuing the discussion.

[bd popeye]

You gentlemen need to cease the political discussion and refer only to the possible military operations that may occur. Not the political ramifacations of what may occur or past Japanese misconduct.You all have been warned.

[DPRKUnderground]

You gentlemen need to cease the political discussion and refer only to the possible military operations that may occur. Not the political ramifacations of what may occur or past Japanese misconduct.You all have been warned.

Okee Dokee! I think the nig question here is, what will the rest of East Asia do militarily? Will they enter the conflict, or would they just lend political support? A coalition task force of many East Asian countries should be formed to protect their interests from Japan.

[FuManChu]

Okee Dokee! I think the nig question here is, what will the rest of East Asia do militarily? Will they enter the conflict, or would they just lend political support? A coalition task force of many East Asian countries should be formed to protect their interests from Japan.

Why would they do anything? Japan is still the number 1 economic power in Asia, so why would they risk their links with it? These are, after all, a few piddly small rocks of no real value to anyone. They would leave South Korea and Japan to it - at most there would be criticism if one party randomly provoked the other to a necessary response.

You seem to have this obsession with everyone uniting against Japan. I can promise you that won't happen, unless we return to the 1930s and it's clear they're going to be attacked (again). A minor dispute does not equate to a full-scale conquest of Asia. If China and South Korea could see that then relations with Japan wouldn't be so bad, and the chances of military conflict would disappear. Unfortunately by deluding themselves into thinking such disputes mean anything they make such a confrontation a possibility.

[KYli]

Delete.

[Vlad Plasmius]

I think the best chances are at this being largerly a small-scale military conflict like the one between China and South Vietnam. However, I think it is possible for it to expand a little.

I doubt we'll see Chinese or Taiwanese destroyers getting close ot the islands, but either nation or both nations may take efforts to support South Korea.

[Finn McCool]

We're not going to see Asian nations uniting against Japan. The US is unwilling to see Japan undefeated and will clobber the PLAN/allies if it feels the Japanese navy is going to be desroyed. This is because Japan is America,s main strategic partner in Asia. OF course, the US wouldn't want to see South Korea lose either because South Korea is another American ally, so there would be tremendous US pressure to end the war. The US wouldn't support either side because it would lose an ally, and it would look very bad is Japan/rest of Asia, depending on what side they picked.

[DPRKUnderground]

Why would they do anything? Japan is still the number 1 economic power in Asia, so why would they risk their links with it? These are, after all, a few piddly small rocks of no real value to anyone. They would leave South Korea and Japan to it - at most there would be criticism if one party randomly provoked the other to a necessary response.

You seem to have this obsession with everyone uniting against Japan. I can promise you that won't happen, unless we return to the 1930s and it's clear they're going to be attacked (again). A minor dispute does not equate to a full-scale conquest of Asia. If China and South Korea could see that then relations with Japan wouldn't be so bad, and the chances of military conflict would disappear. Unfortunately by deluding themselves into thinking such disputes mean anything they make such a confrontation a possibility.

I'm pissed off at anime. All the kids in my Japanese class want to be Japanese and watch anime, read manga, and listen to J-Pop. I used to be like them, but I'm over it. Japanese cultures is just crazy nowadays. My friend lived in Japan fo 3 years and he said there are way too many strip clubs, plus Japan is the hotspot for Human Trafficing. It's nuts. Plus they have some crazy people there. But hopefully the alternative, left-wing youth will change society.

[swimmerXC]

Guys, please get back on topic... or else I'll have to close this thread.

[Lezt]

mmhmm i think this discussion have bypassed one obvious country, and that is north korea. well it is an excelent chance for the 2 koreas to unite on something.