Current tensions between China and Japan over ownership of the Senkaku Islands threaten outbreak of war. Much closer to Japan and China than to either Europe or North America, Australia's Peter Hartcher writes about the maritime confrontation for The Sydney Morning Herald.
The U.S. is bound by treaty to help Japan defend the Senkakus, something that Hartcher carefully mentions. I'm uncertain why anyone thinks our President would do more than urge restraint in the face of a kinetic Chinese threat. And, I'm certain the Chinese believe he would fold under pressure.
