Diaoyu impasse calls for new ideas(4)

National consensus formed

Chen Chuanren, Taiwanese businessman and author of The Strength of Chinese Overseas: History and Current Situation of Chinese Migrants (2007)

The landing by Chinese activists on the Diaoyu Islands Wednesday has triggered social fervor for protecting the islands, thanks to the prevalence of social media. In 2004, Chinese activists twice visited the islands, but the effect on public opinion was much smaller.

A national consensus among people in the mainland, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, which is long missed, now forms again and overrides previous internal disparities.

For Tokyo, China's deterrence due to its national rise has increased. In 2010, Japan detained Chinese crew for more than two weeks after the collision incident over Diaoyu. But this time Japan released Chinese activists in two days.

China has held for decades the principle of shelving disputes and seeking joint exploration. The government has been tolerant and restrained, which gives it space for resilience. China doesn't boast, but gives a firm response once other claimants take provocative actions.

China should have more practical contingency plans, since maritime disputes are expected to become increasingly fierce in the future.