Taiwanese efforts to oppose Japanese claims to the islands are either rock-pounding stupidity or a pro-unification move:
Most Chinese in the mainland are passionate about the East China Sea dispute, Mr. Zhang adds. Taiwanese are generally more indifferent.
Some suspect that it is not only activists from China and Taiwan who are working against Japan. As the once bitter political rivals have shelved differences since 2008, Beijing and Taipei may be cooperating behind closed doors, some analysts believe.
Taiwan says it’s not working with China. But cooperation might help staunchly self-ruled Taiwan defer political talks with Beijing, which is keen to reunify.
“Tacit cooperation with Beijing on [the] maritime island dispute is viewed by some in Taiwan as a way to say to mainland [China] ‘we’re showing good faith so don’t pressure us move ahead on steps toward reunification right now,’” Mr. Harold says.
Hey, you know what? That passion encompasses Taiwan's submission to Peking, too. The Senkakus would just be the appetizer for the meal of Taiwan. If the Taiwanese government is actually participating in this meeting of the minds over the islands, they are idiots.
Taiwan needs to keep any disputes with Japan relatively cordial and just between them, and keep China out of it. The Chinese will not think of Taiwan's actions over the Senkakus and decline to invade if it comes to a decision to use force.
