Agree. I have commented on another article by another author in this page and I believe this is a serious matter. Many people in facebook still making fun on this issue and believe that both Japan and China are bluffing instead of taking it seriously to the combat level.

In politics, like many cases in our lives, many things are not determined by the politicians alone. In many cases, things push the people to react. In the case of Diaoyutai, more ships are heading to the red zone. A single hit between ships may lead to the escalation of warfare. You know, government ships involved, ships hit each other or by accident, some of the officials of either country drop to the sea and died in the "incidence". This is just a matter of when.

Peter, I believe in this scenario, the role of Taiwan is the key. If Taiwan continues to stand firm on this issue, the United States will face a dilemma. On one hand, the United States can involve directly in the crisis if Japan Sea Patrol was "in danger" under "the threat of Mainland China". That's one of the plot for the US to re-engage itself in Asia. I read an article a few days ago regarding to a battle in Diaoyutai: if the conflict only involve Japan and China, China will win with heavy lose of battleships/ aircrafts etc. However, with the engagement of the United States, China is lost for sure. Yes, I am not writing in futre tense. China doesn't have the capability to fight both US and Japan Navy.

If Taiwan continue to back up China in this issue, or just stand firm that Diaoyutai is part of ROC, the United States Armies may have difficulty to position themselves in the conflict. If Japan is the "No.1 unsink battleship" in Asia, Taiwan was supposed to design as the second battleship in Asia (well, unless you consider Korea as the second US battleship in Asia). This may discourage the US involving in the conflict. Maybe the US diplomats are already flying to Taiwan and negotiating the issues with President Ma. But I think Taiwan may play an important role this time.

Well, I don't have the power to control others' thought, all I can do is share my thought and let the others to think with their independent thought. ^_^