Shifting the focus of domestic contradictions was also smugly calculated into Abe's decision. His shrine visit again brazenly affronted Chinese people and the people of other victimized countries and aggravated relations with Japan's neighbors, writes Li Wei.

China’s announcement of its Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) surprised the world. And the strong response from the international community surprised China.

The already tense atmosphere in the East China Sea ratcheted up a notch when China declared a new air defense identification zone, writes Margaret Lewis, and the political realities of this increasingly tough neighborhood are frightening.

Japan’s viewpoints on history, international law and Asia are in direct contravention of contemporary international law, writes Liu Junhong.

Analyzing the 1943 Cairo Declaration, Greg Austin argues that China’s outrage over the disputed islands is rooted in this document signed 70 years ago and driving its foreign policy. To ease tensions in the region, both China and Japan must come to the table and acknowledge the high emotions surrounding the dispute.

As the escalating standoff in the East China Sea continues, Tom Watkins urges calm in Beijing, Tokyo, and throughout Asia.

Chinese government announced the establishment of the East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone on November 23. Ma Jun underscores the political implications of the new Chinese ADIZ in terms of national security, international rules and Sino-Japanese relations.

Washington's maladroit handling of China's newly announced Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) unnecessarily muddies the waters and raises tensions over the East China Sea. Rather than reacting calmly in a diplomatic manner, the US immediately militarized the situation by sending B-52 bombers into China's zone.

The setup of an Air Defense Identification Zone in China’s East China Sea has caused tensions with Japan and the U.S. However, the setting up of such a zone is not outside of China’s right as an international state. The U.S. and Japan, who have AIDZ of their own should respect this as they work with China to reduce tensions.

The Obama administration is eager to dampen the tensions in the East China Sea. With the dangers of miscalculation too high, Richard Weitz states that the disputed islands are hardly worth a war.