Chinese general warns accidental weapons discharge ‘possible’ if Japan continues provocations

Posted on March 5, 2013 by Adam Westlake in Features, National with 15 Comments
Chinese general warns accidental weapons discharge ‘possible’ if Japan continues provocations

Chinese media is reporting that a high-ranking military officer recently stated that “accidental discharge” is a possibility if Japan continues its provocative actions, referring to the two countries’ ongoing territorial dispute over the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands. Major General Zhu Heping’s alarming comment was made on March 3rd in Beijing at the First Session of the 12th Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), to which he is a committee member.

Zhu stated that Japan is single-handedly responsible for causing the conflict over the uninhabited islets, while China is merely trying to protect its sovereign territory. The Major General added “We will try to avoid any misfires and safeguard regional peace and stability in the East China Sea. However, if Japan does not change its attitude and further provokes, then accidental discharge is likely to happen.” It seem Zhu doesn’t really understand that an “accident” is something that happens unexpectedly or unintentionally, meaning he has seemingly threatened to use weapons against Japan only a month after China repeatedly denied pointing targeting radar at Self-Defense Force vessels.

This isn’t he first time a Chinese military officer has shot his mouth off with comments implying an armed conflict between the two Asian neighbors. In January, Senior Colonel Liu Mingfu of China’s National Defence University warned Australia not to side with the “global tiger” (United States) or the “Asian wolf” (Japan), or else it may get caught up in the region’s rising tensions. He described China as being “peaceful,” but ready to fight back if pushed far enough.

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  • Far East

    An army general making international statements and meddling with politics? Yup, that’s how a dictatorship is described. The People Liberation Army (what a joke considering they are imprisoning people rather than freeing them) is a bunch of trigger-happy morons and should stick to their guns rather than making statement of which they do not understand the implication.

  • yo yo jiggy wit it!

    Seriously! what exactly has Japan done to increase the tensions? They don’t sail into the waters, they don’t write documents that weaken China’s claim, They don’t hold protests that ask for Chinese to be put to death, CHINA DOES ALL THAT!

    So Japan sends jets to escort government planes outside the airspace. even today, the islands are still under Japanese administration, they are just being responsible as they should.

    Japan writes the facts about the dispute, and even if you find one that downgrades China on a couple of levels, you can still find Japanese articles that call the islands Diaoyu and also takes into account China’s side of things, but you will NEVER find a chinese article that takes Japan’s perspectives into play. China is all about degrading Japan, Period.

    China is supposed to be peacful? Like those riots that had slogans like “kill all the Japanese?” Like the slogan “Even if China becomes filled with graves we must kill all the Japanese”? And in the end, China was a country that massacred it’s own people over a peaceful protest.

    .I don’t see reports about Japan going into the disputed airspace? how are they getting on China’s nervers? with words? with articles? with facts? with Maps? With evidence that has been on display for years and not hidden from international eye?

    i fail to see how Japan can piss China off, besides from saying the islands are theirs. I get that buying the islands may not of been the smartest choice, but it would of been better than having the Tokyo Governor place Japanese landmarks on them. it was a matter of “Do we piss them off 100% or only 75%”. they went with 75%.

    Japan hasn’t done a damn thing to try and increase tensions in this situation, China has by going into waters, air zones, their protests, their one sided articles and all kinds of crap. Japan has just stood by, gritting their teeth, trying not to make this an incident on an international scale.

    • Zhijian Xi

      “Japan hasn’t done a damn thing to try and increase tensions in this situation”
      There was an understanding by the Chinese, and was publicly stated by Deng Xiaoping on this matter, Japanese leaders has not challenged Deng’s statement, and has been careful not to Change the status quo. With Japan buying the island and claiming no disputes on the island, this changes the mutual understanding. You expect Chinese not to respond to this provacation?

      • yo yo jiggy wit it!

        There is no dispute (from Japans side) because Japan has basically handled this in a way the U.N court approved of: through diplomacy, politics, negotiations, treaties and business.

        Unfortunately, all of this was done within 1895 and 1970. During which China did not do or could not do anything to claim the islands, and THAT is where whole senkaku/diayo problem lies.

        See, If the islands really did belong to china, they should of said something back in 1895, but no one said anything when Japan claimed the islands via terra nuhliss (is that how it’s written?). THAT is when china should of stepped up and said “No, that’s ours, and has been for centuries” if they had done so, this would actually be a dispute that even japan would have to acknowledge. even if china was weak at the time, history would show they at least took a stand, but they didn’t.

        Then came the colonizing of Asia. This time, Japan was the greedy asshole and swept through Asia like Genghis khan, Taking everything in order to dominate the world and shit. China fought back, as did several other countries, but all would lose, and bit by bit, japans territory grew. No point claiming the islands now, cause the whole world could see that japan, being a greedy bastard, was taking stuff by force, unlike with the senkaku/diaryo islands in which they took cause there was nothing and no one there.

        Not long after, WW2 took off, and china aided the US and allies in kicking the crap outta Japan. Japan was bitched up, Islands and everything they had taken, lost and given to the U.S. under administration. Japan was in no position to bargain for anything. Now would of been a perfect time for China to Tell the U.S. “this this and this are ours. when things settle, please give them back”. they did not do so. another mistake by china’s part. China was aiding the U.S. and was even grateful to harbor U.S. soldiers out of gratification for saving them from the Japs. China could of used the time to strengthen ties, and increase their voice on an international scale. they did not do so and the islands were kept under U.S. watch, no claims made or anything.

        Time went on, Treaties where made, talks where had, and Japan got back on it’s feet. they could not have a military that could interfere on an international level, but only protect what was theirs, imposing restrictions in order to quell the jap war machine. China meanwhile became a communist country, and with all the prejudice in the U.S. against communism (mainly russia at this point), any chance they had to become firm allies and get all becoming buddy buddy wing men fucking bitches and stuff over this and that, was basically stomped outta commission. Still, there was no talk on the Islands, which where handed to Japan to look after from that point on.

        Treaties where made and signed by several countries (Like the San Fransisco treaty and others) in order to ensure the status quo on an international level. many would say that China was left out and they’d be right for whatever reason. It’s my guess that due to the times, none of the democracy nations wanted to talk to Communism countries, and china was trying to build itself up. Still, nothing on the Islands from china’s side. the world was building itself up, the islands where referred to by both the British, U.S. and several maps as Japans territory, and, although I’m a bit skeptical about this, even China had acknowledge the islands as Senkaku though A map (though i think it’s only one) through documents and even government officials calling them senkaku. so far, no dispute. Islands are Japans, China don’t seem to mind and then……

        that island got resources? RESOURCES? YO MAN THAT SHIT GOT VALUBLE SHIZNIT! ey yo! them peeps are ownin our joint? AWW HELLZ NAW! BITCH THAT SHIT IS MINE FOOL! DON”T SKANK ME OUT MA PRECIOUS CARGO GURL, IMMA WHOOP YOU ASS!…… in a manner of speaking of coarse. it was obviously more civilized. i’m watching tv at the same time so excuse me.

        But that’s basically what happened. Stuff was found and THEN china started to raise their voice (so did taiwan but they seem to be a major 3rd wheel here) At that point, governments had came and gone, Japan was rising in the world, a status quo had been formed, documents and treaties signed, negotiations settled and a general agreement on everything for japan to claim the islands. just too bad china was left out but they never seemed to mind, never rose their voice. hell they had plenty of troubles back at home, all the while japan and the rest of the world had already arranged the pieces on the board to ensure the islands and other stuff was Japans. and that leads to the current issue.

        The two leaders of the countries at one point got together and where all like “yo dawg, howz bout zem islands ova thar?” “oh yea fool! baah! let’s focus on our cliques becomin homies and all! leave that Shiznit for the later peeps” “heelz yea man, we need to become bros and all! lets leave that shit be fo now!”

        Basically, Japan and china wanted to focus on their relationships with each other and try to get along first before touching the issue. the issue was raised, but would stay in a settled position.

        More years passed, the world moved up, Japan however, burst the financial bubble and went up shit’s creek. losing strength and entering recession, china still made no move with the islands, as they where busy working on themselves.

        Several more years passed, Japan has continued to struggle due to the “POP” and china is now an international powerhouse. now. i don’t remember what happend in 2008 or 2009, but at some point, there was a riot in china over the islands and that’s when the current issues start. Japan made no move, and they didn’t need to. they had made the treaties, signed the documents and shacked hands so on an international level, the islands where theirs. china called “BULLSHIT YO!” and thus, the troubles began. Just when Japan and china seemed to be doing… let’s say decent, these blocks of land that no one lived on become an issues that could now lead to war.

        Japan feels their is no dispute cause they played by the international rules, followed the guidelines and gained international recognition. game over, the islands are in their care period.

        China, on the other hand, feels like they where royally screwed over, most likely cause the game was played when they had issues at home, but if you don’t make it to the playing field, you’re not admitted. too bad. China then get’s more fired up, and as the world becomes either more in awe or in fear of them, they start to challenge the final decision.

        China then sends ships, helicopters and fishing boats into the seas that are internationally recognized as japans. As the islands are in japans care, they can’t allow that, no one would. japan is doing what china was SUPPOSED to do from the very beginning: protecting what is theirs.

        China, still pissed, then brings in the big gun, patriotism, getting all the Chinese to get riled up against japan. They then ignore the Japanese apology from the 90′s and refer to japan as going back to it’s militant days. the Chinese then play the victim, all the while they increase their military, show off their new toys, insult and degrade japan, calling for the death of Japanese people and japan as a country and writing articles that insult and downgrade japan in any way they can.

        How can you call yourself a peaceful country after all that? how can you say that with a straight face? i don’t see reports of japan going into the waters (except for that fishing boat) except to keep china out of what is internationally recognized as Japan. Japan does not hold riots, does not burn flags, does not call for the death of the Chinese, Japan simply states that the islands are theirs, there is no dispute because they did everything they had to. China says there is one, but refuse to believe the time of when they could do anything is past.

        China is the one igniting tensions cause that’s all they can do if they want the islands back. morons like this guy in this article are saying they will fight back if pushed, but fail to realize that japan is standing back, grinding their teeth, while china is doing all the showing off of military power.

        i am seriously hoping the two come to an understanding, like making the islands and trade routes a shared thing between them. but china wants more power, and the trade routes and resources are a gold mine. Japan needs to get out of it’s financial slope and the islands are a good place to start. I say nuke the islands, make em a no mans land. if neither one can work something out, get rid of the variable, let them sulk, then move on. both are behaving like brats in my opinion, but japan has more leverage since it did everything politically it had to.

        • Zhijian Xi

          “China, on the other hand, feels like they where royally screwed over, most likely cause the game was played when they had issues at home, but if you don’t make it to the playing field, you’re not admitted. too bad.”
          By the same logic, if China organizes an international conference and get several countries to attend without Japan, and decided Japanese soils belong to country X. Will you agree to this agreement?

          • Zhijian Xi

            I am glad that the San Francisco Treaty did not give Manchuria back to Japan, if they did, Japan will follow the same logic and claim Manchuria part of Japan? All without China’s consent?

      • Jine Wei

        China is the aggressor and bully nation.!!!!
        Open your tiny eyes and look around south and east china sea and tell me who are those ships belong to?
        Who are threatening in those area? Is it japan, vietnam or philippines? It is very clear that china is the greedy and bully!!!

        • Zhijian Xi

          The logic is wrong. Set aside whether China is the agressor or not in South China Sea, that does not make China an agressor in this dispute with Japan.

          Japan was the side which decided to abandon historical understandings and made the first move to purchase the island. China will gladly go back to shelf the issue (as they have done in the past 40 years) and improve ties with Japan, the question is, will Japan un-wind it’s moves which has caused this row in the first place?

          • Truth

            The island did not become Japanese territory because they were recently purchased by the government, and there were no “historical understandings”.

            The islands were already Japanese territory according to international law.

            They were either owned or rented out to various parties including the US Military.

            By “historical understandings” do you mean the Chinese propaganda dating back to Empress Cixi and her sea lavender, or something more consequential?

          • Zhijian Xi

            During Deng Xiaoping’s visit to Japan in 1978, he was asked about the Shenkaku island issue, he said “Our generation is not wise enough to resolve the issue currently (1978), and it is best to leave to future generation to resolve the issue, which I(he) think should be smarter than us” (my translation may not be literal). I am sure the Japanese PM in 1978 heard of this position from Deng since he is in Japan. Since then, the Japanese leaders has not raised objection to this position of Deng’s. And the Chinese has basically followed Deng’s policy of not changing the status quo (and therefore leaving Japan to patrol the island for 35 years). I think the Japanese are not wise to challenge this understanding by both sides. As a Chinese American, I have a great deal of respect for Japanese people, however, this un-wise move has persuaded me otherwise about Japan. And apparently, this move by Japanese government has wide spread support from the Japanese people, which makes me more worried.

          • Zhijian Xi

            If you don’t know this historicaly understanding exists between Japan and China, then it’s Japan’s government not telling it’s citizens the truth. This ironically help me understand why the Japanese commentators repeated say there’s no dispute, because they don’t know that their neighbor has raised this as an issue and therefore “A DISPUTE”

          • Truth

            The Japanese people are perfectly aware of China’s contention but they are also very used to both China and Korea putting on these display and yet refusing to take matters to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) which is where such territorial disputes are resolved.

            When Japan entered the modern age it adopted international laws. Indeed, one of it’s criticisms of Western nations was that despite it adopting and following international law, they would not do so equally and when it tabled the issue of racial equality, the Americans refused to accept it.

            As part of following international laws, Japan followed to the letter the claiming of Senkaku Islands as terra nullius, “land belonging to no one”.

            That is to say, it sent surveyors on multiple voyages to look for evidence of occupation, survey the islands, erect marker stones establishing it as Japanese and it published its findings in gazettes.

            It followed the rules therefore it owns the islands.

            Now China comes along 100 years later, immediately after potential gas reserves are found, and claims it owns them but without the basis of having followed international laws. It’s strongest claim appears to be based on an Empress Dowager Cixi 慈禧太后 giving rights to a herbalist to gather sea lavender there. The Empress was not even an official ruler of China and refused to accept international standards of government and law just as modern day China appears to be doing.

            As you are being perfectly reasonable about this, if one stands back and looks at the issue as a whole, it appears to be a culture problem within China and its political refusal to adopt and accept international standards of law and government.

            Personally, I am not so naive as to think this is because it still sees itself as the center of the world as it did historically. I suspect, just like any other political decision, it is based upon what it sees as being to its own best advantage, what it thinks it can get away with on the basis of force and coerces, and a bartering point for further negotiations.

            The bottomline line is, however, if it has a problem, it has to initiated proceedings at the ICJ.

          • Zhijian Xi

            ICJ is a good idea if both countries agree to resolve the issue in this platform. I do hope there’s a way to prevent war.

            “Now China comes along 100 years later, immediately after potential gas reserves”

            This is not true, the islands were under US administration during 1945-1971, there were no diplamatic ties between China and US. The issue were discussed during PM Tanaka’s first visit to China in early 70′s, the then Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai proposed to shelf the dispute.

          • Truth

            Although Japan or bits of it were under American occupation or ‘administration’, it still remained Japan.

            Although it is correct that the issue was first raised 70 odd years after Japan establish sovereignty over the Islands, because potential gas reserves were discovered (1968), I was using the 100 year date for 95/96 when Chinese military and exploration ships started encroaching on them, and popular tempers first flared.

  • talkalot

    Talk too much.
    Go for it if China believe it is strong enough and brave enough to fight Japan. Remember two lessons in the history.