Diaoyu Islands
January 29th the Japanese government took a new move by planning a series of name changes for 39 nameless islands, some of which are part of the disputed Diaoyu Islands. Chinese Foreign Ministry protested against this move the next day, but Japanese Foerign Minister rejected China's protest. Regarding the recent disputes between China and Japan on the Diaoyu Islands, one Japanese media published an article on February 3rd advocating that Japan should not succumb to Chinese pressure. January 17th People's Daily claimed that the attempt to name affiliated islands of the Diaoyu Islands is a blatant move to damage China's core interest. The Japanese media quoted this claim and pointed out that this is the first time China using the phrase "core interest" in regard to the Diaoyu Island disputes. The Japanese editorial said that the Japanese government's naming of these islands is legitimate and that the Japanese government should intensify surveillance of these islands.
Sino-Russian Relations
In response to Dai Xu's article mentioned in my last post, where Dai maintains that that China and Russia should form an alliance against the US, a new commentary claims that it is absolutely a mistake for China and Russia to form an alliance. First, this new article rejects the assertion that US's new defense strategy is completely targeting at China. Second, the author believes that Russia's protest against US's intention to attack Iran and Russia's move to sell arms to Syria are motivated primarily by economic concerns rather than geopolitical concerns. Third, the article holds that there is not evidence showing that Eurasia is considered as US's main battlefield. Fourth, the author worries that a Sino-Russian alliance will provoke a new Cold War. Finally, the author suggests that China should launch a long march into western Eurasia, while maintaining offensive defense on water in the east, so as to buy some time for China's modernization.
Russian media also responded to Chinese experts's suggestion of the formation of Sino-Russian alliance. However, the Russian side does not seem to be optimistic about the feasibility of this idea. In addition, Russian experts are vigilant about the perceived Chinese interests in exploring the North Pole area. They believe that China's interests are not limited to economic and expedition concnerns, but also include military considerations.
Arab Spring
After China vetoed the UN solution on Syria together with Russia, an editorial on Global Times applauded China's decision to use the right of veto on the UN Security Council as oppose to abstaining from voting, which China used to do a lot. The article also claims that veto of the solution has nothing to do with "Sino-Russian alliance", and that China voted completely independently, according to its own will, based on China's understanding of the situation in the Middle East.
During the Munich Security Conference, Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Zhang Zhijun restated China's resolution to adhere to its path of peaceful development. He stated that international relations is not a zero-sum game, and that the rise of Asia is a sign of better balance among international powers. He claims that Asia is an open and tolerant area. Zhang also pointed out that "Arab Spring in China" is merely an illusin, because Chinese government is widely supported by Chinese people.
Sources:
"日媒不接受钓鱼岛为我核心利益提法鼓吹对抗" (Japanese media reject the claim that Diaoyu Islands are part of China's core interests)
"中国要量力而行：中俄建立同盟绝对是个错误" (It will be a mistake for China and Russia to form an alliance)
"俄方回应中俄结盟建议：虽诱人却全无可行性" (Russia responds to the Sino-Russian alliance suggestion: appealing but not feasible)
"俄媒称中国将北极视为重要军事战略利益地区" (Russian media says China sees North Pole as critical military strategic area)
"为投反对票鼓掌！国人已经厌倦'弃权大国'” (Applaud for veto! Chinese tired of "great power of abstention")
"外交部副部长：'中国出现阿拉伯之春'是幻想" (Deputy Foreign Minister: "Arab Spring in China" is an llusion)
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