In this 40th anniversary year of diplomatic normalization between Japan and China, the bilateral relationship has plummeted as demonstrations rage in many Chinese cities against the Japanese government's purchase of three of the five islets comprising the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea, which are also claimed by China.
It is imperative for both countries to communicate closely with each other through diplomatic and all other available channels to prevent the current situation from spiraling out of control.
There is the possibility that China misconstrues the Japanese government's announced "nationalization" of the three islets as an attempt to step up Japan's effective control of the Senkakus. Japan must explain that this is not the case and that the nationalization is aimed at controlling the islets quietly and at quashing Tokyo Gov. Shintaro Ishihara's earlier plan to have the metro government purchase and perhaps partially develop the three islets. Mr. Ishihara is known for his anti-China sentiments.