December 31, 2004

Japan has never been very popular with the Chinese, but last month's voyage of a Chinese nuclear sub into Japanese waters, Japan releasing a defense plan aimed at China, and a closer relationship between Japan and Taiwan, have created a frosty atmosphere. While Japan is still hated to its military activities 60 years ago, China is feared for what it's armed forces are capable of doing now. As a result, China is facing a potential coalition of Japan, Taiwan and South Korea, three of the most advanced industrial countries on the planet. China's only ally is Russia, who is willing to offer neutrality, not a military alliance. Chinese and Russian military units holding joint training exercises, and China remains Russia's largest weapons customer.