Thus far Abe has been pragmatic and firm with China by ensuring that the situation in the East China Sea does not escalate while simultaneously working to strengthen Japan’s position through bolstering the Self-Defense Forces and garnering support from Washington. Meanwhile, Xi has taken the “long game” approach with regard to the East China Sea but has been careful not to take drastic actions to inflame bilateral ties. Both sides are looking for an avenue to tamp down this rift. After Abe’s election victory last December,
he noted that, “China is an indispensable country for the Japanese economy to keep growing. Japan needs to use some wisdom so that political problems will not develop and affect economic issues.” Now, Abe needs to put weight behind those words and avoid the potential anniversary landmines over the coming months. ="redirecting>

J. Berkshire Miller is a fellow on Japan and Chair of the Japan-Korea Working Group with the Center for Strategic and International Studies Pacific Forum.