China Holds Japan Over a Barrel

This weekend the Japanese and the Chinese were holding talks to try to solve a dispute over oil exploration in an area of the East China Sea where both nations claim exclusive economic zones. To no ones surprise the Chinese were less then cooperative, and the only thing that came out was an agreement to further discuss the issue next month.

However, while the PRC is stalling in their negotiations they continue to drill wells that Japan claims take oil out of their reserves. In an even more provocative move the Chinese have moved their warships to the area, and have even pointed the guns of the ships at patrolling Japanese aircraft.

In response to Japanese complaints about the drilling and the threatening actions by the Chinese military, a Chinese representative only stated that the drilling was within their rights.

This again shows the desperation with which China is scrambling to secure any and all oil reserves they can. It also shows the clear reason for the military buildup that is currently happening in China. The Peoples army is not being buildup for the protection of the people, but for the gradual expansion of the People Republic of China.