China’s rift with Japan is open challenge to U.S.

This commentary contends that the simmering dispute between China and Japan, particularly over the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands, is not just a bilateral issue but a direct challenge to the United States’ strategic credibility. Robert Dujarric notes that as China’s maritime assertiveness around the Japanese-administered Senkakus grew (with incursions by Chinese ships and aircraft), it effectively put U.S. security guarantees to Japan to the test. The U.S.-Japan defense treaty obligates Washington to aid Japan if attacked, so aggressive Chinese moves in the East China Sea force the U.S. to clarify how far it will go to back Japan.

Dujarric asserts that Beijing’s leaders are watching for any hesitation, as a weak U.S. response would undermine the alliance network and possibly embolden China further. Conversely, too strong a U.S. stance risks escalation with China. Thus, the Sino-Japanese rift creates a delicate challenge for the U.S. to demonstrate resolve without provoking war. The article emphasizes that the U.S. must manage this situation wisely – reassuring Japan and deterring China through diplomatic and military signals – to maintain stability. In essence, Dujarric frames the China-Japan tensions as a yardstick for U.S. engagement in Asia: the outcome will either reinforce or weaken the post-war security architecture that America leads.