Diaoyu solution lies in strength and unity

Several Japanese rightists landed on the Diaoyu Islands yesterday, spurring a wave of angry reaction from the Chinese public.

The Diaoyu issue is facing a possible escalation. More than a few Chinese cities saw anti-Japan protests yesterday.

In a forum sponsored by the Global Times on the Diaoyu issue yesterday, scholars and activists from the Chinese mainland, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao offered their suggestions. The Diaoyu issue has become a focus of the nation.

The public has become increasingly aware of the complexity of the issue, but Chinese have also seen the advances the country can make.

There are also complaints, but agreement and unity brought by the Diaoyu crisis among Chinese worldwide are much more obvious. The radical ideas of the minority cannot eclipse the maturity of the majority.

The visit to the Diaoyu Islands by Japanese rightists was a response to the latest Chinese assertion of sovereignty over Diaoyu. The back and forth has exposed to the world the Diaoyu controversy. Japan's claim over Diaoyu is a lie. It also shows strong Chinese public will in safeguarding the country's sovereignty over Diaoyu.

China will definitely take further steps regarding Diaoyu. This is a shared goal of both the government and the public, and also a trend given China's continuous development.

This round of conflict may be a turning point in the Diaoyu issue. Japan should stop using Diaoyu as an excuse to vent its anger against China.

Chinese worldwide have a growing awareness of the issue. With the public's deepening interest and influence, official efforts will also increase, making it more difficult for Japan to withstand the pressure.

China has no intention of engaging in a military clash with Japan over Diaoyu. But China can suppress Japan's control gradually until the trend reverses.

If Japan continues its confrontational stance, in the future, China may detain Japanese who land on Diaoyu and repatriate them later.

The contest over Diaoyu tests China's will and wisdom, but the result ultimately depends on strength, and not only Japan's strength. The support the US lends to Tokyo should also be taken into consideration. The national strength of China, as long as its growth continues, will become the bargaining chips that force Japan to back off.

The reluctance to resort to military means doesn't mean China is afraid of war.

China will launch a reciprocal competition with Japan over Diaoyu. For example, if Japan sends Self-Defense Forces, it should expect the participation of China's navy ships.