Japan-China Tensions Rise

A media report has surfaced that claims China has cut off exports of key minerals to Japan in response to the detainment of a Chinese fishing boat captain in waters claimed by both China and Japan.

The escalation of tensions between the two close neighbors has spilled over into talks at the United Nations this week, as Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao told Chinese-American listeners at a New York conference “if Japan clings to its course, China will take further action.” He further stated that Tokyo bears all the responsibility for the current situation and likewise will have to bear “all consequences” as well.

The Japanese government is planning on prosecuting the Chinese captain found in the disputed waters, but if the situation worsens, Japan’s economy and business relations between both countries could suffer. The reports by the New York Times that exports of ‘rare earth minerals’ have been suspended have been denied by the Chinese Ministry of Trade and Economic Cooperation. However this is not the first time China has been accused of limiting the supply of the minerals, which are crucial for the construction of high-end technological elements in hybrid cars, guided missile systems and wind turbines among other things.

China has reacted to the detainment of the trawler captain by suspending all ministerial-level contact with Japan and refusing to meet with the Japanese Prime Minister at this week’s United Nations meetings. Chinese citizens have also protested the captain’s detainment outside the Japanese Embassy in Beijing.