China Versus Japan: Shooting War, Economic War or War of Words? [washingtonsblog]

Are China and Japan Going to War?

The conflict between China and Japan over a small chain of disputed islands – called “Senkaku” by Japan and “Diaoyu” by China  – is fluid.

Here are some of the key recent events in this dispute:

• Japan’s Ambassador to China died mysteriously, and Chinese police used tear gas and water cannonson anti-Japan protesters

• A senior advisor to the Chinese government has called for an attack on the Japanese bond market to precipitate a funding crisis and bring the country to its knees

• Chinese hackers have launched a cyber-attack against Japan, taking down at least 19 Japanese websites – including those of a government ministry, courts and a hospital  – and adding messages proclaiming Chinese sovereignty over the islands

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