During their recent visits to Washington some prominent Japanese lawmakers were promoting an uncomfortable message: China is a long-term threat to Japanese security, and a future conflict between Japan and China is virtually inevitable.
The argument runs that since Japan is a small island power situated next to a great continental power it has been destined to be a bitter rival of China throughout history. In this view, historical periods of mutual cooperation between the two nations are devalued and only periods of Japan-China conflict are highlighted. As a result, proponents of this analysis suggest that Japan cannot escape confrontation with China in the future, and therefore the only prudent course is for Japan to enhance its military preparations for the evil days that certainly lie ahead.
Another element of this argument runs that China's communist system cannot endure for much longer and that its collapse is now imminent. When that collapse comes, the communist regime will seek to channel the discontent of the people into Chinese nationalist sentiment. This will, of course, create great dangers for the national security of Japan. Japanese lawmakers who endorse this view are now seeking U.S. understanding and support.