A Chinese person killed a Japanese boy in Shenzhen the week before the announcement, according to a disturbing and horrible incident that occurred the week before the statement.
This came in the wake of a number of other incidents, including another stabbing incident and a number of Chinese martial provocations, that have drawn strong and supported criticism from the Asian media.
Beijing denied any connection between the seafood decision and the Shenzhen incident, but the removal gesture may be ( in part ) intended to reshape a deteriorating narrative in light of the growing Japanese public’s disapproval of China.
Institutions are proving more afraid than ever to give up liquidity for nothing in a time of heightened political conflict, even when that leverage is based on financially distorting behaviors that undermine the global trading system. In this instance, the decision might indicate Beijing’s desire to start a bilateral relationship repair after it has become somewhat defense.
This story may not be over however, given that Beijing’s announcement was only intended to start the removal process rather than an immediate removal. It at least demonstrates how economical statesmanship involves balancing stick and carrot, occasionally at the same time.
The University of Tokyo’s Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology is home to Victor Ferguson Postdoctoral Research Fellow. At the Australian National University’s School of Politics and International Relations, Darren Lim is the Top Lecturer. This remark first appeared on Lowy Institute’s website, The Interpreter.