An important thing Japan should learn is: When a matter gets from bad to worse, it's time to change your policy.

Not everything can be solved with the help of allies. If allies decide to dump you, how can the treaties they have signed with you be of any help? China is not a difficult neighbor to talk with. But a country has to take the right approach.

Third-party involvement in the dialogue will only complicate and worsen matters. Sending a message to China that you have the support of the only superpower sounds more like a threat than an effort to resolve a dispute. Japan should realize that diplomatic solution is the only solution to the problem.

Starone, on China Daily website

(China Daily 08/30/2012 page9)