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Political rows, 'genuine fear' stoke Japan's distrust of China - and the feeling's mutual

The article from the South China Morning Post discusses the escalating tensions between Japan and China, highlighting how political disputes and genuine fears are fueling distrust. Key points include Japan's growing concern over China's military assertiveness, particularly in the East China Sea where territorial disputes over the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands persist. Recent incidents, like the Chinese Coast Guard's actions against Japanese fishing vessels, have heightened these tensions. Additionally, Japan's decision to release treated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean has sparked protests in China, further straining relations. Public sentiment in Japan shows a significant distrust towards China, with 90% of Japanese people viewing China unfavorably according to a recent survey. This mutual distrust is also reflected in China, where there's a growing anti-Japanese sentiment, often stoked by historical grievances and current geopolitical frictions. The article suggests that these issues are not only diplomatic but also deeply rooted in public perception, affecting the broader bilateral relationship.

Read the Full scmp.com Article at:
[ https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3289211/political-rows-genuine-fear-stoke-japans-distrust-china-and-feelings-mutual?module=top_story&pgtype=homepage ]