Japan to Release Chinese Boat Captain

Japanese prosecutors decided to release a Chinese fishing boat captain (Xinhua) whose arrest two weeks ago in disputed waters heightened tensions between the two powers. The decision followed news that four Japanese citizens had been arrested in Beijing (Xinhua) for videotaping military installations. Chinese analysts say the release was needed to allow China to move onto more measured discussions (NYT) about the issue. China especially objected to Japan using its domestic laws to dealing with the captain. Shortly after the release announcement, China's foreign ministry said that "any kind of so-called legal proceedings taken against the Chinese captain are illegal and invalid."

The incident comes amid disputes between China and other neighbors to the south over control of islands in the South China Sea. The country also disapproved of U.S. military exercises in waters near the Korean Peninsula. The array of disputes relate to China's economic expansion, which has emboldened a new generation of military, government, and state-owned business officials outside the country's central leadership who are pushing a diverse set of interests that complicate Japanese and U.S. relations (WashPost). In response, Japan and other U.S. regional allies are taking a harder line on territorial issues as part of a broader, U.S-backed regional strategy (WSJ) to stand up to China.

Analysis:

In the National Interest, John Lee says Chinese decision-making is increasingly fragmented and run by the People's Liberation Army, which means trouble for China's civilian leadership, the United States, and its allies.

The Economist says "the ferocity of the Chinese response harmed China ultimately, by undermining confidence in China as a responsible stakeholder in the region."

CFR's Sheila Smith says the dispute poses a challenge for Washington and raises concerns about Chinese maritime activities in the Asia Pacific.

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